VIDEO: All change at Epworth traffic lights

The £25,000 system to be put in place by North Lincolnshire Council is designed to offset problems at the controversial junction. Other improvements are also to be investigated.

Leader of the Council Liz Redfern said work on this has begun - at the same time as a closure of part of Burnham Road near the crossroads, to allow for repair work on a property.

The traffic signal control centre is to be replaced with a new three-stage arrangement. Traffic on the A161 will take priority, and a 60 second interval will become 90 seconds to allow HGVs more turning time.

The council is also considering above-ground detection on top of signal heads to pick up on slow moving vehicles. A number of complimentary schemes include an aligning of the junction, new kerbing and help with the water run-off.

Coun Redfern said: “The engineers tell me we can expect a marked improvement.”

Isle MP Andrew Percy added: “We will monitor these changes very closely. We hope that in the end we will have the most effective traffic management possible for this area.”