A PROGRAMME of highway improvements is set to transform a busy part of Tiverton in March.

The long awaited road and pavement enhancements are part of the original regeneration proposals for the former Tiverton & District Hospital site that went through consultation in 2008, which will improve traffic flow and the visual appeal of the area.

The derelict buil-ding has already been replaced with two retail units and 25 new homes, and now the road will be realigned and replaced, alongside a raft of other improvements for pedestrians and motorists.

The roads affected will include Bampton Street, William Street and part of Newport Street, all of which will be closed to vehicles for up to 12 weeks during the work.

The traffic lights which currently control this area will be removed, with priority given to traffic moving from Newport Street into William Street.

Traffic emerging from Bampton Street will do so via a give way junction.

As part of these changes a large area of pavement will be created in front of Farthings and Twyford Photo-graphy, which will also include street trees.

The tarmac road surface will be re-laid using an imprinted tarmac technique, with the footways to match the existing pavement.

Shops will trade as usual with pedestrian access.

A major signage programme will en-sure motorists follow a diversion that will reverse the one-way system al-ong Barrington Street and will initially include bank-smen teams to lead drivers through the diversion.