Drivers are warned to take extra care when using the Army and Navy flyover in Chelmsford as the direction of traffic is due to change at different times from Monday in a bid to ease traffic jams.

Currently the direction is changed at a fixed time, but from Monday traffic controllers will trial changing the direction at different times in response to traffic flow.

The direction of travel will be clearly marked on signage at either entrance of the flyover.

Drivers have been warned to take extra care when using the flyover over the coming months.

A spokesperson for Essex Highways said: “Our monitoring shows that traffic flows can vary from day to day.

"We know that most traffic heads east to west into Chelmsford in the morning at the Army and Navy, and the reverse in the afternoon.

“However, sometimes the timing of the reverse in traffic pressure is out of sync with the Flyover direction, so we want to improve the effectiveness of the flyover for drivers by matching the direction closer to the traffic pressures.

“Drivers are asked to use extra care as they approach the Flyover, only using it when they are certain from the electronic signs that it is open in their direction.”

Changes are being advertised to everyone through information in local newspapers and radio bulletins, online at www.essexhighways.org and through Essex County Council’s Twitter accounts @Essex_Travel and @Essex_CC.

The new Chelmer Viaduct came into full use last month (April) with changes made to the Army and Navy also completed to join up with the new bridge.