Work today began on major roadworks to fix traffic lights which have caused lengthy delays for motorists in Newtown.

Work on the A483 at Newtown started this morning, much to the delight of campaigners. Critics say since the Kerry Road roundabout was replaced with traffic lights in February 2010 drivers have at times been stuck in queues up to five miles long.

The work involves adjustments to the layout, line markings and detection equipment for the traffic lights at the Kerry Road junction.

John Evans, Powys County Council spokesman, said: “The works will improve visibility for right turning vehicles into Kerry Road and to provide some improvement to traffic flows through Kerry Road junction, and will be undertaken by the developer’s contractors.

“Traffic management and working practices will be managed to limit the disruption. However, there will be some additional delays created during the period of the works.

“The contractor will be operating extended working hours and night-time working where possible and noise restrictions permit, to minimise the duration of the works and disruption to the public.”

The work is expected to take up to four weeks.

Newtown councillor Russell George said he was delighted the work was being carried out, but that a new bypass would really be the key to sorting out the traffic problems.

He added: “While I welcome the news that the Assembly now seems to be admitting the layout is extremely poor, it is too little too late.

“Due to a poorly thought-out plan, the people of Mid Wales will now have to suffer extra misery whilst these works go ahead.

“The only real solution is to restore the roundabout and confirm the start date for the Newtown bypass.”

Councillor George said he plans to lead a delegation to the Welsh Assembly on March 23 to hand in a petition which has more than 6,000 signatures asking for a trial roundabout to be returned at the Kerry Road junction and confirmation of an early start date and financial commitment to the proposed bypass.

The petition can be signed online at www.newtowntraffic.com

By Andrew Morris