DRIVERS can expect delays for the next five months due to roadworks at a busy motorway junction near Droitwich Spa.

The Highways Agency is enlarging and improving the roundabout at the southbound Junction 5 of the M5, at Wychbold.

Work began on Monday and is expected to be completed in March 2002.

The roundabout is being improved to accommodate extra traffic which will be generated because of a new housing development next to the junction.

Developer -- Bloor Homes -- is footing the £450,000 bill.

A McDonalds restaurant and an Express by Holiday Inn hotel will also open near the site.

Highways Agency project sponsor Duncan Rogers said: "Work will be carried out during daylight hours, Monday to Friday, and Saturday mornings.

"For the safety of the workforce it will occasionally be necessary to operate a convoy system through the work."

Convoy traffic reduces the speed of vehicles for the safety of workers and motorists in the absence of normal safety clearances.

A site vehicle will lead traffic through the works at 10mph.

The Highway agency has reminded drivers that accidents, particularly nose-to-tail collision, are more likely to occur near road-works.