MOTORISTS have been warned to steer clear of a notorious Halesowen traffic blackspot over the next six months.

Contractors started work on Monday at the Coombes Road, Haden Hill Road and Dudley Road junction in Halesowen.

Thousands of motorists use the junction each day which has led Dudley Council to introduce improvements to ease traffic flow and reduce delays.

This will help improve access and journey times to the nearby business park and the surrounding highway network.

Councillor Hilary Bills, cabinet member for environmental services, said: “This is a major junction on our highway network, which is in desperate need of upgrading and although these works will cause disruption over the next few months, the benefits will last for years to come.

Safety measures including routes for cycling, walking and public transport will also be introduced.

There will also be a new pedestrian crossing and the layout of the junction will be improved.

Cllr Bills added: “We are introducing a number of measures that will help ease traffic flow and improve journey times for people going to work, college or taking their children to school.

"It will also improve the crossing for pedestrians, wheelchair users and those with buggies and pushchairs. We apologise for any inconvenience caused throughout the project.

The work is expected to take six months in total.

Initial works will be carried out between 9.30am and 3.30pm to reduce the impact on rush hour traffic. Road closures may be required towards the end of the project to allow for resurfacing works.

The scheme is being financed by the Local Growth Fund via the Black Country Local Enterprise Partnership.