A MAJOR upgrade of traffic signals at a busy junction is to start soon.

The obsolete lights at Crawley Gyratory System will be replaced with new, more energy-efficient equipment that costs less to run and is "more reactive to traffic movements".

The scheme between Brighton Road, Haslett Avenue West and Pegler Way will cost a total of £570,000 and is due to begin next month.

Work will include replacing and upgrading all signals equipment, including new detection systems on all junctions and 43 vehicle signal heads and installing 13 low-level signal heads for cyclists.

A total of 44 signal poles and the tactile paving on 19 of the crossing waiting areas will also be replaced and the green cycle lanes will be refreshed.

A West Sussex Highways spokesman said: “The existing lights are beginning to fail and, because the equipment is obsolete, there are limited spares available to rectify future faults.

“The new equipment will use LED technology, improving the signals’ reliability, reducing maintenance and saving energy. They will also be more reactive to traffic movements.

“To try to keep disruption to a minimum, we are only able to work on sections of the junction at a time and so will follow a phasing schedule, using traffic management to protect both workers and the public.”

Work is scheduled to start on Monday, August 29, and take about 14 weeks, subject to factors such as the weather.

The spokesman said lane closures will be used at some points.

“Every effort will be made to minimise disruption but there will be delays and motorists are advised to allow extra time for their journeys or seek alternative routes, if possible,” he added.

“There will be the need to close Brighton Road to vehicular traffic across the level crossing for part of the works and a signed diversion route will be in place.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused during the work, but this project will lead to long-term improvements.”

Once built, the new traffic control system could take up to three months to fine tune so it runs as effectively as possible, the spokesman added.