Motorists warned over A24 traffic light works

A county council spokesman said long queues were predicted to form at all approaches to the junction between the A24 and A272 after the 11-week scheme starts on February 29.

The spokesman said the existing lights will react more slowly during the £500,000 project and urged motorists to seek alternative routes during peak periods.

He said: “New traffic signals need to be installed at Buckbarn Crossroads.

“The signals are over 30 years old and a rodent infestation has caused irreparable damage to the underground cabling.

“The existing signals will stay switched on while the replacements are installed.

“However, the lights will not react as quickly, so long queues are predicted to form at all approaches to the junction.

“To minimise future disruption, other maintenance work at the junction will be combined with the replacement.

“Work will be carried out during daylight hours, with some night time working scheduled.”

The signals would be replaced by the “latest LED technology, which will improve the signals’ reliability, reduce maintenance and save energy”.

County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, John O’Brien, said: “Unfortunately there is no getting away from the fact the existing lights are beginning to fail and will become increasingly unreliable.

“Due to current equipment being obsolete, there are limited spares available to repair any future faults.”

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