WORKS to update an ageing pedestrian crossing outside Vivary Park in Taunton are set to start in May.

The pedestrian crossing which connects High Street with the north entrance to Vivary Park will be improved with new traffic signals and realigned markings to position it more directly with the park entrance.

Somerset Council also added they will be replacing the traffic lights and the pedestrian crossing on Taunton’s Upper High Street.

Work starts on Monday 13 May, and is expected to be completed in August.

Temporary traffic lights will be in place while work is being done, along with a temporary pedestrian crossing.

There will be evening/overnight road closures towards the end of the scheme for final resurfacing – advanced notice will be provided of these.

The council has organised a drop-in for the public and businesses on Wednesday, May 8, from 3pm to 6.50pm at Taunton Library, where you can find out more about the scheme.

The work is part of Somerset Council’s Future High Streets Fund programme which includes improved pedestrian and cycling facilities for the town.

The work also ensures the traffic lights which have reached the end of their working life are replaced.

Somerset Council’s lead member for Transport and Digital, Councillor Richard Wilkins said: “We are pleased to see this much-needed improvement work taking place on this very busy crossing.

“We are aware there could be some disruption at peak traffic times – the team will do their best to minimise this.

“Ultimately we will have a much better-positioned pedestrian crossing and state-of-the-art replacement traffic lights.”