Drivers are being urged to allow for extra journey time in Newcastle-under-Lyme from next week as a summer of roadworks begins.

Barracks Road will be reduced to one lane in each direction for the roadworks from 7 July to 30 August and the junction with Hassell Street will be closed for six weeks from 21 July, but access will be maintained from Windsor Street and Scott Street.

There will also be a number of overnight works to complete resurfacing of the roads at the end of August, with the dates yet to be confirmed.

The works will see the central reservation widened and the Barracks Road pedestrian crossing upgraded with a new 'shared use' footway set to be installed between the crossing and Castle House. The traffic lights will be upgraded and bike symbols painted on Hassell Street.

Hassell Street will also be made one-way between the entrance to Windsor Street car park (on Hassell Street) to the junction with Barracks Road. A new entrance to the car park will be created on Windsor Street, where there are currently bollards.

Hassell Street is set to be made one-way towards Barracks Road from the car park. (Google)

The works are part of a scheme which aims to provide a cycle link between Keele University and Stoke-on-Trent station.

Newcastle borough council says the scheme aims to encourage more cycling and walking, supporting healthier lifestyles and reducing town centre traffic.

The work is being carried out by Staffordshire County Council and the work is using funding from the Newcastle Town Deal, secured by the borough council.

The full timetable of work is set to be completed in September, according to the council.

Stephen Sweeney, deputy leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council said: "Millions of pounds are being invested in different ways in Newcastle's town centre to make it an attractive place for residents of all ages to live, work and enjoy themselves safely.

 "Developing walking and cycling routes, including those which link to Keele University and Hanley is an integral part of that development as we make the town centre more easily accessible."

Peter Mason, Staffordshire County Council cabinet member for strategic highways, said: "This scheme will provide the town centre cycleway section as part of a continuous link from Stoke-on-Trent railway station to Keele University.

"Our project team will make every effort to keep disruption to a minimum, though we'd encourage people to allow extra travel time when using this route."