MOTORISTS are being warned to expect major delays on the A4 in Corsham next month when the Cross Keys junction is improved.

Both Cross Keys Road and Biddestone Road will be closed while the changes are made to the lights and the road layout adjusted.

"There will be disruption," said Cllr Steve Abbott chair of Corsham Town Council, "but the crossroads will become the gateway to the town once the work is finished."

Wiltshire Council who are behind the work said the work will be carried out starting on July 22, and will last up to eight weeks.

The traffic lights will be replaced with a new system that will include a pedestrian crossing while the road layout will be adjusted to make it safer.

Cllr Abbott said: "It is part of out public realm strategy. We have worked with Wiltshire and put our suggestions forward to make the junction a gateway with the idea to attract visitors to the town from the A4."

The gateway will see an extension of the dry stone wall on the corner, planters, a newly commissioned artwork and buff coloured paving to indicate the type of stone used throughout the town.He said the artwork at the junction will eventually reflect the town's heritage and anyone with ideas should submit them to the town council.

Bridget Wayman, Wiltshire Council cabinet member for highways, said: “Traditionally the roads are quieter during the school summer break so that’s why this work has been scheduled towards the end of July. We know roadworks are frustrating but unfortunately there’s no way to carry out these improvements without causing some disruption.”

While the work is ongoing the road will be narrowed to two lanes and traffic lights will be use at times.

The Cross Keys pub on the corner of the crossroads that lends its name to the junction closed four years ago and is up for sale.