TWO key junctions will see closures and temporary traffic lights as work takes place to upgrade traffic signals.
The work will be carried out on St Johns and St Ann streets on Monday, July 14 and is expected to take five weeks.
Wiltshire Council said the work is needed as the existing traffic signals have reached the end of their design life, and they will be modernised to improve reliability, safety and energy efficiency.
During this time, there will be lane closures at each junction in place, as well as temporary traffic lights to ensure the work can be carried out safely.
In particular, on St Johns Street, the new traffic signal infrastructure will be installed adjacent to the pedestrian crossing located outside the White Hart Hotel.
A lane restriction will be in place, along with a right-turn ban into Ivy Street.
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A local diversion will be in effect via Catherine Street, Milford Street and Brown Street.
Vehicles needing access to Ivy Street during this period should follow an alternative route via New Street, Crane Street and Crane Bridge Road, where drivers will need to make a U-turn at the Mill Road mini roundabout before returning along the same route to enter Ivy Street directly from New Street.
There will also be a suspension of one of the parking bays in Ivy Street for the duration of the proposed works at this location, meaning that it cannot be used by residents.
On St Ann Street, the new traffic signal infrastructure will be installed near the existing telecoms cabinets on the north side of the road.
A lane restriction and temporary pedestrian footway will be in place, but left and right turns will still be permitted under temporary traffic management.
There will also be a suspension of the single yellow line restriction in St Ann Street for the duration of the proposed works at this location, meaning that this area cannot be used by residents for parking.
There will be some additional temporary traffic management in place near the coach stops on St Johns Street to accommodate the removal of a lighting column and the traffic signal controller.
Councillor Martin Smith, cabinet member for highways at Wiltshire Council, said: “We would like to thank residents and road users for their patience and cooperation while these essential works are carried out.
“The traffic signals equipment at these junctions was originally installed in 2001, which shows how long these systems have been in service. These refurbishment works are essential, not only to replace ageing infrastructure, but to bring the junctions up to modern standards.
“We apologise for any inconvenience caused during the works, but they are vital to ensure that everyone can travel safely and efficiently around Salisbury.”
B-b-b-but they work! What happened to the proverb, “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it”?
Why on earth are these so-called essential works always carried out in in the height of summer, when traffic is at it’s heaviest; if they are so essential should they not carried at night, when there is little or no traffic on the road!!