Drivers face four months of traffic misery in the heart of the city as safety work is carried out at Jacob's Well.

Contractors moved in last night to begin work strengthening the walls of the subway and roundabout, and temporary lane closures will be necessary on all the approach roads throughout the work.

The restrictions began last night and will be in place throughout every day until the work is completed.

During the first two months of the project, the inside lanes of each approach road will be closed while work is carried out to strengthen the walls around the subways to bring them up to new safety standards.

The roundabout's central wall will be strengthened in the following two months and will mean the outside lane being closed to traffic.

The subways will remain open to pedestrians throughout and the existing traffic lights will continue to control the junction.

Bradford Council has warned there could be severe traffic disruption and suggested drivers should consider alternative routes of avoid peak times. No official diversions are being set up during the lane closures.

Executive member for the environment, Councillor Anne Hawksworth said: "This scheme is absolutely essential to ensure the safety to both pedestrians and motorists."