A SCHEME to improve safety on the A36 at Skew Bridge in Salisbury will get under way next week.

Contractors will start work on the £2.5m project on June 2, constructing two new footbridges adjacent to the existing bridge over the railway line.

The scheme has been introduced to provide extra impact protection for vehicles and offers pedestrians and cyclists a safer route at the accident hazard spot.

But motorists are being asked to renegotiate their routes and allow more time for their journeys, as long tail- backs are expected.

Brick Lane will be closed until the end of April 2004, when the work is expected to be completed.

During part of the work, one lane will be closed and temporary traffic lights will be in place. Traffic will be diverted during some weekends.

Highways agency project sponsor Ron Davies said: "Surveys have shown that the existing parapets require upgrading to meet the latest vehicle impact standards.

"By adding outer footbridges either side of the existing bridge, we can improve the impact resistance of the bridge, while providing safer facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.

"Although the work will be mainly off-peak, inevitably there will be some delays, and road users are asked to allow more time for their journeys."