The next major phase of a new pedestrian crossing on one of Carlisle’s busiest roads is taking place this week.

Traffic lights for the crossing on Castle Way were installed on Saturday – and resurfacing work was set to start last night, lasting for eight nights.

A contraflow system will be in place between 7pm and 6am and Cumbria County Council said motorists should expect delays.

The authority, responsible for highways, is asking all lorries to use the A689 bypass during the hours the traffic management system is in place.

A spokesman said: “This is expected until 6am on June 13.”

The plan for Castle Way has proved controversial, with arguments raised about potential delays.

But experts say any hold-ups to motorists will be minimal.

The new overground link will connect the heart of the city centre and attractions including Tullie House Museum with the castle, which dates back to between 1122 and 1135.

The overall work also involves building a raised speed bump on neighbouring Finkle Street and Annetwell Street.

There will also be the repaving of a section of Castle Way to match stones previously laid in Caldewgate.

Carlisle City Council was granted permission to build the new overground link despite opposition from 1,300 people.

Those opposed, who signed a petition calling for the plans to be thrown out, said there were already enough crossings available on that stretch of road.

Those in favour said it would reconnect the city and the castle, boosting the number of visitors to the castle, and that it would also help cyclists.

City planners finally gave the project the go-ahead.

The Highways Authority said that drivers would face a delay on average of 10 seconds and a maximum of 27 seconds.

The crossing is being funded by money promised by supermarket giant Sainsbury’s as part of the deal to build the Caldewgate store.

Work has been underway on the high-profile scheme since March – and it is expected to be completed in the forthcoming weeks.

Castle Way is one of the busiest routes in the city.

The dual carriageway runs alongside the city centre.

It provides a key route through the city from areas including Caldewgate, Shaddongate and the west of the city, onto roads to the north, east and south of Carlisle.