A £5.5 MILLION improvement work scheme at Drumbridges roundabout is expected to open shortly, a year after it started.

Traffic signals installation is planned for completion on Sunday with the final works hoped to be done by the beginning of next week.

The work, which started in November 2014, was extended by five weeks after several problems arose including challenging ground conditions, modifications to lighting columns and the presence of dormice.

A spokesman for Highways England said: ‘We have been doing everything we can to complete the works as quickly as possible.

‘As a result the vast majority of the work has already been completed and for cyclists and pedestrians the benefits of the scheme are already available with the improved footways and cycleways around the roundabout.

‘This scheme will provide benefits to everyone who uses the roads in the surrounding area by increasing traffic flows and reduced waiting times to and from the A38 and providing safer provision for non-motorised users.’

The total cost for the project will be announced by the end of the financial year but the firm say it expects the figure to have increased because of the the challenges it have faced.

County and district councillor George Gribble said: ‘It’s been a long time coming and it will be a benefit to all.

‘I look forward to the opening.’

Cllr Gribble said new intelligent lighting on the roundabout will reduce traffic build-up as it monitors vehicles queueing at the lights.