CONTRACTORS working on the M4 junction 16 upgrade have said sorry for the delays and confusion caused by changes to the lay out.

Drivers have suffered long queues, lane jumpers and flared tempers during rush hours since the new pattern was introduced overnight on February 25.

Hochtief said in a statement this week: “We would like to apologise for the disruption that this caused.”

It explained the queues were caused by temporary traffic lights that were on a timed sequence.

“The team has now increased the temporary signage around the junction and this has helped the updated layout.

“Also, we would like to remind road users that the traffic lights are currently set to a fixed timed sequence, which is not reactive to traffic volume. This is because the ongoing works are not yet at the stage where we can reinstate the system that detects traffic, however, this will be the case before the end of the project and the traffic light sequencing will be more efficient.”

But the firm said it had managed to make steady progress on the project in spite of the recent snow and icy weather. Most of the drainage work had been completed and the workers were continuing to install ducts, kerbs signs and street lamps.

Resurfacing and road marking work is due to start on Monday in overnight shifts.

“However, due to the size of the machinery we need to use, there will be some lane restrictions and temporary closures around the junction while we work.

“These restrictions are essential to give the team a safe working zone, whilst allowing us to keep the roundabout open to traffic,” it explained.

Contraflows will be brought in between 8pm and 6am from Great Western Way to the A3102. At the same time the Frankland Road junction with Great Western Way will be closed and traffic will be diverted along Ramsden Road and Blagrove Roundabout. The M4 exit slip westbound will be closed and traffic will have to go to junction 17 and return while the eastbound exit will also shut .