Motorists in the centre of Shetland’s biggest town will face three months of disruption as work starts next week to introduce a 20mph zone.
Earlier this month, the Environment and Transport Committee of Shetland Islands Council approved the traffic regulation orders for the changes to Lerwick town centre.
Councillors also agreed to a consultation on extending and amending pedestrianisation on Commercial Street and short-stay parking.
The first stage of the £234,000 works will begin next Wednesday to build a raised zebra crossing at the junction of South Commercial Street and Church Road.
The pelican crossing at the foot of Church Road will be removed, the pavement on both sides of the road will be widened and a raised crossing will be built.
A two-way traffic light system will operate during the construction work and access will be maintained to Commercial Street and South Commercial Street during the initial kerbing works.
Access to North Commercial Street will be closed, at a time to be advised, for works to progress in the immediate junction area and similarly for South Commercial Street.
Once this stage is finished, three out of four pelican crossings along the esplanade will be replaced by zebra crossings, and four new sets of speed cushions will be installed on the road.
A new zebra crossing will also be installed outside Mareel in the North Ness Business Park.
Road markings and road signage will also be added at various points to indicate that speed limit for vehicles in the area will be 20mph.
The area known as Burns Walk on the esplanade will also be reconfigured to improve pedestrian access, including parking for disabled badge holders and to provide cycle parking.
Vehicle access along the esplanade and Church Road will be maintained throughout these works, with temporary traffic control measure at each location while work takes place.
The works are expected to be complete by the end of May.
The council’s roads department executive manager, Dave Coupe, said: “These traffic calming works will help to make Lerwick Town Centre a more pedestrian friendly place, from the top of Church Road and along the esplanade as far as the North Ness.”