Work to upgrade traffic signals at three major junctions in Kingswinford will get under way next week.

The work is part of a £1 million investment by Dudley Council to improve traffic flow and make it safer for pedestrians in Kingswinford and Wall Heath, particularly for children walking to school.

Motorists are being warned to expect delays while the works – which will be in three phases and run for nearly a year – take place. But council bosses say it will result in improved traffic flow, as well as improving air quality.

Phase one is due to start on October 2 and will run until Christmas at the junction of Cot Lane, Swindon Road, Lodge Lane and Summerhill.

The junction of Moss Grove, Wolverhampton Street, Stallings Lane and Dudley Road will form phase two, taking place from January next year until spring 2024.

The third and final phase of work, to the junction of Moss Grove, High Street, Market Street and Summerhill, is expected to start in June next year and run until September.

Manually controlled temporary signals will be in place throughout to minimise disruption as much as possible. However, significant delays are expected during certain periods and motorists are asked to avoid the areas affected where possible. Councillor Damian Corfield, cabinet member for highways and environmental services, said:

"Residents, businesses and schools have asked us to look at ways of improving access for people who walk and cycle in the area, while reducing congestion during peak journey times for motorists.

"We are pleased to now be able to move forward with these improvements, but it is a big piece of work and we are expecting delays while it is undertaken. I would urge people who travel in this area to keep up to date with the works through our traffic pages and try to plan journeys before setting out.

"We would like to thank residents who continue to be supportive of this critical work and I assure everyone that we will do all we can to keep disruption to a minimum."

People can sign up to traffic updates through the council’s e-bulletin service.