CUMBRIA County Council have confirmed work to replace the roundabout at Jubilee Bridge in Barrow is on track and is expected to be completed by Christmas.

This update comes after temporary traffic lights have been put in place on the Barrow side of Jubilee Bridge in the evenings, causing traffic delays.

A spokesman for Cumbria County Council said: "The roundabout is being removed and a signalised junction will be installed.

"The project is still on track to be finished by Christmas.

"No further road closures are expected as a result of the work."

North Walney Councillor Tony Councillor has called for motorists to be understanding of any delays caused by the road works.

He said: "The work at Jubilee Bridge is long overdue.

"It is essential work to allow the longevity of the bridge and the roadworks are to cater to increased traffic to the shipyard.

"I'm thankful that it's taking place now.

"As with any work, there will be some minor disruption to roads.

"The work needed to be done, and people just need to be a bit patient and plan their journeys accordingly.

"I would urge residents to take the road works in to account and plan their journeys to make up for this."

The work to convert the roundabout at the end of Jubilee Bridge to traffic lights is being funded by BAE Systems in response to growing traffic volume and the need to transport heavy loads around the yard's site.

It also formed part of a £1.5m investment from the county council for junction improvements on a number of roads in Barrow.

Speaking earlier in the year, Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council Cabinet member for Highways and Transport, said: “The county council is investing millions of pounds in these highway schemes which will make a real difference to Barrow’s road network.

"We believe the road junction improvements will support growth at BAE Systems and the Port and play a significant role in helping the town to prosper.”