WORK to upgrade a major junction on York’s outer ring road is set to start.

The roundabout linking the A1237 and the A19 Shipton Road will be upgraded in a £1.2 million project lasting about 12 weeks, starting on January 10.

The aim is to reduce congestion and queue lengths at the roundabout and help reduce journey times in the area.

Engineers will widen both the A1237 approaches and the A19 southbound approach to the roundabout to provide three entry lanes: left, ahead and ahead or right. They will also widen the A1237 to provide twin exit lanes from the roundabout; install better pedestrian crossings, resurface the road and improve lighting and signage.

Council officials say working hours will generally be restricted to 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, to minimise the impact on traffic, but that some work may have to be carried out during evenings, weekends or overnight.

A City of York Council spokesperson said: “As with any construction work, there is likely to be a certain amount of disruption and inconvenience, but everything possible will be done to keep this to a minimum.” Lanes will be narrowed to maintain traffic flow through the junction and to provide safe working areas, with some temporary traffic signals at times.

The spokesperson said: “For activities such as carriageway resurfacing, lane closures will be required, but it is envisaged that no full closures or diversions will be necessary.”