MOTORISTS in Bradford are set for traffic misery thanks to roadworks clogging up some major routes in and around the city.

Work has started on a nine-month congestion-busting scheme at Thornbury Barracks roundabout, with completion set for next April.

Two weeks of resurfacing work on Manchester Road will start on Monday, while gas works in Shipley are set to cause disruption for the next ten weeks.

Leeds City Council said the work at Thornbury was vital.

A spokesman said: "This is a major piece of work to improve a badly-congested section of the Bradford road network.

"We recognise there will be some disruption, but we are doing all we can to minimise it and will ensure we do not work at peak times. Every effort is being made to carry out this work in the shortest time possible."

The work is being restricted to between 9.30am and 3.30pm on weekdays, with occasional weekend working required.

Leeds City Council said the work would reduce congestion at the junction and improve "accessibility and connectivity" between Bradford and Leeds. The authority has also advised motorists to find alternative routes during the disruption.

The work involves creating three lanes through the roundabout's centre, traffic signals, reconfiguration of lanes, introduction of pedestrian and cycling facilities, as well as upgrading streetlights and bus stops.

A spokesman for Bradford Council said resurfacing work on Manchester Road would end on August 20. He added: "Various sections of the road need repairing between Mill Street and Odsal roundabout."

There will be lane restrictions in place, but no full closure of the road. However, neighbouring roads could be closed while work is carried out.

Northern Gas Networks (NGN) is replacing ageing metal gas mains in Otley Road, Shipley, with new plastic pipes. The first phase of the work is at the junction with Dockfield Road.

Wayne Fisher, of NGN, said: "We know that no-one likes roadworks and we are working hard to minimise the disruption caused to members of the public.

"We have listened carefully to feedback from road users and have worked closely with Bradford Council to make a number of changes to help assist traffic flow. The temporary traffic lights are now being monitored remotely from the council's control centre with timings adjusted according to traffic flow and we have extended working hours to include longer days and weekends so that the work is completed as quickly as possible.

"We would like to extend our apologies to all those affected."

Delays are also expected on Thornton Road, near Bradford city centre, because of more work being carried out by NGN.

The Council said the impact of the roadworks on motorists is likely to be high, and that delays are likely because of a lane closure. The work is scheduled to finish on Friday.