MAJOR roadworks to reduce traffic at one of Barnsley’s most notorious bottlenecks has begun thanks to a multi-million pound plan.

Barnsley Council submitted a business case to the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA), requesting £2m for improvements at Cundy Cross.

Following approval, workers arrived at the site on Monday to kick-off the project which will reconfigure the junction and several of its entry and exit lanes.

This will include improving existing traffic lanes, removing traffic signals at Rotherham Road and Meadow View junction and provide longer, two-lane approaches to the traffic signals.

Next week, investigation works will be carried out at the junction of Lang Avenue and Pontefract Road.

During this time, Lang Avenue will be closed at specific points.

Coun James Higginbottom, cabinet spokesperson for environment and highways, said: “Delivering sustainable improvements at Cundy Cross, along with the wider works we are delivering at Stairfoot, is essential to ensuring that our highway work is safer, more efficient and better suited to the needs of the travelling public.

“This scheme is a key part of our ongoing efforts to reduce congestion and improve journey times for our residents, commuters and public transport users. We’ve listened to residents and carefully considered a range of options, taking into consideration increased traffic flows.

“We’ll continue to keep the public updated throughout the works, to help everyone plan their journeys accordingly.”