A major roadworks scheme at one of Huddersfield’s busiest junctions is now well under way.

Tonnes of earth have already been excavated at Ainley Top as diggers gouge their way into the soft underbelly of the huge roundabout – one of Yorkshire’s largest.

Kirklees Council says this is the largest scheme planned for this junction for many years and it is expected to take five months to complete, finishing in early June.

 It will cost in the region of £2m and is needed to cope with a new housing development on nearby Lindley Moor.

Given its proximity to the M62, it will be necessary to complete most of the scheme by working during the evening and night between 8pm and 6am on weekdays.

Work will not take place at night during weekends and bank holidays.

The greatest disruption to the thousands of motorists who use the roundabout every day is when it is closed to traffic for six weeks during the evening and night in May and early June to enable resurfacing to be completed.

The roundabout will be widened to three lanes with new traffic lights on each approach and exit.

Highways bosses hope this will reduce congestion, lead to shorter queues and less delay for motorists.

Improvements for motorists will include traffic lights which will control traffic movements so drivers will no longer need to find gaps in fast-moving traffic.

Pedestrians will also be able to use new ‘red and green figure’ crossing facilities.

The roundabout speed limit will also be reduced to 40mph, which will improve safety for all road users and reduce the number of accidents.

Chris Stratford, a Lindley resident who uses the five-exit roundabout every day on his commute into Leeds, said: “I am very impressed at the alacrity with which the work has started and look forward to it finishing as soon as possible. I hope delays are slight.”

Kirklees Council leader Mehboob Khan said: “As a nipper I can remember the nearby Elland bypass and tunnel being built and what a contribution that made.

“I think the work is absolutely essential. The dilemma the council faced when making these improvements to tackle congestion is that if we didn’t pay extra to have people continue working at night there would be queues along the M62 between Leeds and Manchester.

“So we are using all means to minimise disruption for motorists, businesses and residents.

“And this is a scheme that local residents and businesses have been asking for for many years.

“When it’s finished, it will make a significant reduction in congestion.”