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And highways chiefs say the project will take up to six months to complete, leading to more traffic issues at a busy crossroads hit by almost two months of roadworks earlier this year.

What’s it all about?

The work will transform the Fishergate Hill/Strand Road intersection into a cycle-friendly junction to continue the Penwortham to Preston Cycling Superhighway.

How the new CYCLOPS junction will look (Image: Lancashire County Council).

The Cycle Optimised Protected Signals (CYCLOPS) is designed to make travel safer for cyclists and pedestrians by protecting them from road traffic.

What do highways bosses say?

"I appreciate that the works will cause some disruption in the short term," said Coun Rob Bailey, LCC's lead member for highways and active travel.

"But the long-term benefits of improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists at this busy junction will be worth it.

The same view of the junction as it is today (Image: Lancashire County Council).

"The new CYCLOPS junction will also make it safer for people using the Preston Guild Wheel route which crosses the junction, and we hope it will give more people confidence to walk and cycle in the area.

"This junction is a key part of the wider scheme to encourage active travel along this Penwortham to Preston corridor, and will complement the improvements we've already put in place.

It's great to see that we are at the forefront of using new techniques in Lancashire's highways to ensure they are accessible to all road users."

The CYCLOPS junction features an orbital track circling the junction to separate cyclists from general traffic and pedestrians.

Traffic using the busy junction could be disrupted for up to six months.

Will th works cause more traffic disruption?

During the works, which will continue until Spring 2023, there will be temporary traffic signal-controlled lights and alternative crossing points on Liverpool and Strand road.

Bus stops will be moved to alternative locations throughout the works and access to local shops will be maintained at all times.

The junction upgrade is being funded by the Department for Transport’s Active Travel Fund (Tranche 2) and will improve facilities for those cycling or walking the mile between the Cop Lane junction and Preston Railway Station.

The award-winning concept was first developed by Transport for Greater Manchester and this will be the first time it has been used in Lancashire.

Road junction of the future will mean even more traffic disruption in Preston – but only for six months