WORK will now begin on the Old Mill Lane Widening Scheme this Sunday with a road closure from Harborough Hill Road to Old Tannery Road, between 7pm and 6am.

An alternative route will be available during the closure via Old Tannery Road, Burton Road, Rotherham Road, Pontefract Road, Harborough Hill Road.

Following the overnight closure, the road will reopen with two lanes of traffic instead of three for approximately ten weeks.

This scheme is funded and delivered by South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) as part of their South Yorkshire Enhanced Partnership Scheme.

Balfour Beatty have been awarded the contract to undertake the work included in the scheme.

Plans will include increasing the number of lanes on Old Mill Lane from three to five between ASDA and Old Tannery Road to improve traffic congestion.

A new bus lane, cycle paths and the relocation of a bus shelter will also be included in the works.

Matt O’Neill, Executive Director for Growth and Sustainability, said: “The improvements offered by SYMCA’s work at Old Mill Lane will provide a great benefit to our residents and the surrounding businesses as we look to tackle the long-term congestion problems that affect the area.

“With Old Mill Lane being such a vital route in the town, we appreciate that the initial road and lane closure will cause some disruption while the first phase of the scheme takes place.

“Further updates will follow as the work progresses and the changes take shape throughout the year.”

To minimise disruption, any associated road closures will be taking place during the night and over weekends.

The council anticipates that following the initial lane closure, work will continue off the highway and will have a minimal impact on traffic on Old Mill Lane and it thanks residents in advance for their patience and co-operation during this scheme.