A KEY roundabout in Ely is due for a major upgrade after tests carried out on the surface found it was “very poor” condition.

The A142 roundabout, that links Ely with Witchford and the busy A142 deals with a staggering 19,500 cars a day according to Cambridgeshire County Council but has deteriorated in recent years and is need of an upgrade.

Highways officials have been presenting a series of proposals to parish councils around the district in recent weeks, with plans including resurfacing, realignment and kerb-raising set to cost up to �200,000.

Adam Cobb, from the county council’s highways department, told Witchford Parish Council that he hoped the changes would reduce accident frequency at the roundabout by 50 per cent.

Mr Cobb said he had carried out a topographical survey of the roundabout and approach roads, traffic counts and a scrim survey, which tested the resistance of the carriageway surface.

The results of the tests showed that the speed of vehicles approaching the roundabout is generally too fast and that the surface is very poor with very little grip.

According to a spokesman for the county council, the proposed works could include realigning approaches and exits to the roundabout, raising kerbs and resurfacing as necessary, including speed reduction measures on the A142 from Ely such as anti-skid surfacing and rumble strips.

The spokesman added that consultation work was still ongoing with business and councils in the area and funding for the work would also need to be identified.

The spokesman said: “We will be looking to begin work in the spring of 2013 but all of the proposals are subject to consultation with parish councils, the public and business owners in the area.”