MAJOR work to convert Redhill town centre's one-way system to two-way is due to be finished by October.
The £4 million project to alleviate rush hour congestion, encourage more shoppers to the town, improve cycle lanes and pedestrian safety is now well underway.
The final phase of the government-funded scheme to scrap the town's one-way system will begin on September 23 and is due to be finished two weeks later by October 6.
Borough councillor for Redhill West Julian Ellacott welcomed the works. He said: "It should even out the traffic across the town centre, reducing pressure on pinch points like the Lombard and station roundabouts."
However he added there was "no absolute guarantee of success" but that it was the "best option".
The Balanced Network scheme, as it is referred to, also aims to "unlock" the regeneration of key sites in the town, bringing new homes, supermarkets, shopping and leisure facilities.
Work began before Christmas and has so far mainly focussed on the Lombard roundabout, which is 80 per cent complete, including the new traffic island in Gloucester Road.
Councillor Natalie Bramhall, Reigate and Banstead Borough Council's portfolio holder for regeneration, said: "Over the next months it will be all hands to the pump. It's my understanding that all the residents and businesses in the area will be warned of all the changes.
"People will be effectively driving one way up a road then doing it differently the next day."
Other works to be carried out as part of the scheme include the installation of traffic lights in Cromwell Road, St Matthew's Road and Queensway.
Better pedestrian crossings will also be installed in Princess Way outside Redhill Station, and in Station Road and Marketfield Way.
A proposed makeover of the pedestrianised area in Station Road between Station Roundabout and Maple Square also aims to make the town more attractive and increase footfall for traders.
"There are going to be three or four different groups in different areas of the town from now until October so it's going to be very busy," Mrs Bramhall warned.
