Eight weeks of disruption is set to hit a Wiltshire town as work begins on installing new paths and crossings.

The Marlborough roadworks, which are set to begin on Monday, September 2, will see a new toucan crossing installed in the town, as well as the extension of the path on the A346 Salisbury Road.

According to Wiltshire Council, the aim is to improve walking and cycling facilities in the town and create a traffic-free route that stretches from the east to the west of the town.

But to achieve this, residents must first preserve with eight weeks of roadworks, set to last until approximately Monday, October 28.

During this time there will be four-way temporary traffic signals in place from 9.30am to 3.30am Monday to Friday, and pedestrian diversion routes in place on the A346 Salisbury Road roundabout.

The works will affect the Salisbury Road roundabout, near TescoThe works will affect the Salisbury Road roundabout, near Tesco (Image: Google Maps)

“This work is an exciting start to a bigger project we have planned to unlock future cycling and walking opportunities in Marlborough, and eventually link a traffic-free route from both the east and west of the town to the town centre," said Councillor Tamara Reay, cabinet member for Transport.

“We apologise for any disruption caused during this time, and we appreciate that there have been a number of urgent roadworks carried out in Marlborough recently.

“Unfortunately, due to the nature of the works, they cannot be carried out safely overnight, but we have done all we can to minimise disruption by restricting the working hours."

The works will see the existing walking and cycle path on Blenheim Road extended to the point of the toucan crossing near the roundabout and then continue to a new path away from Salisbury Road and up the embankment in front of Tesco car park.

This will allow residents to safely walk, cycle or wheel to schools, nearby residential areas, the town centre, Marlborough Business Park, and Tesco.

The eight week long roadworks have been described as unavoidableThe eight week long roadworks have been described as unavoidable (Image: NQ archive)

The dropped kerbs and tactile paving on the island at the roundabout will be removed to encourage the use of the signal crossing instead.

The footway will also be widened on the western side of the new crossing point.

“Although other aspects of the path are yet to be completed, this work is the first step in our longer-term plan to create safe and convenient active travel-connected links through Marlborough and is well supported locally," added Councillor Reay.

“We’re excited to see the finished project that will help enhance the local network and improve connectivity in the area, which is a key priority in our Business Plan."