AGEING traffic lights on the busy junction of the A39 with the A396 at Dunster Steep are to be replaced early in the New Year.

The traffic signals are now more than 30 years old and near the end of their working life.

Somerset Council said it was ‘imperative’ the lights were replaced before they failed, which would cause major disruption for traffic.

The work, which is part of a £16.6 million county-wide initiative which started two years ago to replace traffic signals, is set to start on January 5 and finish in April.

An ‘intelligent’ temporary traffic lights system will be in operation during the work, which will mirror the performance of the current signals and help minimise disruption.

The council said traffic management requirements will change during the construction period and would be advertised well in advance.

The project involves significant excavation work because all the old ducting and wiring as well as the traffic light heads must be removed from the ground and replaced.

A drop-in session for the public and businesses will be hosted by the council from 3.30 pm to 7 pm in Dunster Tithe Barn on Wednesday, December 10, where people can find out more about the scheme.

Somerset executive Cllr Richard Wilkins said: “This is a busy junction, and we are pleased to see this vital work taking place, replacing end of life equipment and ensuring the signals are fit for purpose years to come.

“We are aware there will be disruption at peak traffic times and during school drop-offs and pick-ups, as well as for visitors heading to Minehead or Exmoor.

“The team will be working hard to minimise this.”

A council spokesman said there had been many years of under-investment in the county’s traffic signals infrastructure, which was why such schemes were now being made a priority.