MOTORISTS are set to face weeks of disruption after plans to carry out major roadworks at one of the busiest junctions in Watford were revealed this week.

Work to improve safety and reduce congestion at the junction of St Albans Road with Penn Road is scheduled to start on Monday, February 21, and is expected to take 11 weeks.

This week, council bosses apologised for the expected delays but said it was essential the works were carried out.

County Councillor Derrick Ashley, executive member for Environment, said: "We do appreciate that these restrictions will cause inconvenience and we would like to apologise for this.

"Unfortunately, it just isn't possible to carry out these very necessary long-term improvments without causing short-term disruption to traffic flows."

The improvements include lengthening the right turn lane into Penn Road and putting an advance stop line and a cycle lane on the southbound (towards the town centre) approach to the junction.

In order to do this, workmen will remove the northbound bus lane (away from the town centre).

Until the work is completed, right turns will be prohibited at the junction - southbound from St Albans Road into Bedford Street, Leavesden Road and Railway Cottages, and northbound into Penn Road.

It is estimated the road will be closed to traffic travelling northbound for five nights, when a signed diversion route will be in place, and re-opened during the day.

For more information, motorists can telephone the Hertfordshire Highway information line on 01923 471320.