Parts of a busy A-road in High Wycombe will need to shut completely next week as part of the Crest Road junction upgrades ahead of the arrival of McDonald's and Aldi at Cressex Island.

There has been roadworks on Crest Road and John Hall Way since January to turn the roundabout there into a traffic-light controlled junction - but as the works near their end, some full road closures will be needed.

The section of the A4010 John Hall Way from the Holmers Farm Way/Cressex Link roundabout to just before Lansdowne Way will be fully shut from 8am on Monday, July 26, until 8pm on Friday, July 30.

And then from Monday, August 2, until Wednesday, August 4, there will be 12-hour closures in place from 8am to 8pm, with the road open outside of those times.

Buckinghamshire Council says the new "intelligent" traffic signal layout will pave the way for the planned arrival of McDonald's and Aldi at Cressex Island, which has been a wasteland for years.

Making use of Cressex Island will boost the local economy and create jobs, the council added.

Traffic heading for the Holiday Inn or other local shops and businesses during the closure periods will be directed along Holmers Farm Way and then into Crest Road from the other direction.

While the closures are in operation, the official diversion route will be fully signposted via Handy Cross roundabout, the A404 into the town centre and then along the A40 to Chapel Lane.

Buckinghamshire Council Cabinet Member for Transport, Steve Broadbent said this would be "short term pain for much longer term gain".

He said: "No one likes road closures and diversions, but we do need both periods to lay the brand new road surface and complete the scheme.

"We apologise in advance for any inconvenience but we've planned things carefully and hopefully there will be reduced disruption with it being the school holidays and the fact that the road will be open as normal over the weekend. For the second set of closures, the road will reopen each night which should also help."

Cllr Broadbent added: "When completed, not only will the new junction layout improve access to the Cressex Island area, but it will also mean a fully reconstructed road replacing the current worn out section. That's good news for everyone and represents a great investment for the town."

As part of the road overhaul, a new 600 metre shared use footway and cycleway will also be completed from Handy Cross to Holmers Farm Way roundabout linking two existing cycle routes, together with new toucan crossings incorporated into the junction layout for both pedestrians and cyclists.

Aldi and McDonald's are hoping to open up a new supermarket and drive-thru restaurant at the former Cressex Park and Ride, alongside Next.

The site was a former park and ride but has been a wasteland that has suffered with fly-tipping for many years.

There was a brief period of excitement for residents when Costco wanted to open up there - but they backed out of the plans.

Following the closures over the next few weeks, the traffic signals will be set up during August with full completion of the scheme expected in September.