THOUSANDS of drivers face major disruptions because of roadworks on one of Huddersfield’s busiest roads.

Work is due to start on September 19 on improvements to the road layout, traffic signals and pedestrian crossing facilities at the A62 Leeds Road junction with Hillhouse Lane and Thistle Street in Huddersfield.

And it will mean long diversions for drivers who want to use Hillhouse Lane.

The work is tied in with developments on the Spindlegate retail and industrial park off Leeds Road.

Kirklees Council engineers said the traffic signals at the junction point will be fitted with new equipment which responds to traffic flows and manages vehicle queues.

The layout of the junction will be changed on all approaches.

The scheme will also provide red and green man crossing facilities for pedestrians – work which was part of the planning conditions for the Travelodge and Costa Coffee development behind the Yorkshire Rose public house.

A council spokesman said: “Because of its location, the work is likely to cause some delays to drivers.

“This will be kept to a minimum by working during off-peak hours and co-ordinating activities with events at the nearby Galpharm Stadium.”