The Handy Cross roundabout in High Wycombe will undergo a significant roadworks project this autumn – beginning with a two-day closure that is likely to spell trouble for motorists.

The roundabout, a major road interchange between Wycombe and Marlow which links both towns to the M40 at junction 4, will be closed at 9pm on Friday, September 13, and reopen at 6am on Monday, September 16.

It marks ‘phase one’ of National Highways’ roadworks scheme at the interchange, and, while it niftily avoids impacting weekday commutes, delays are expected as drivers flock to an alternative route via John Hall Way, Cressex Road, New Road, Mill End Road, Chapel Lane, West Wycombe Road, High Street, Oxford Road, Wycombe Road and The Common.

‘Phase two’ of the project could also cause issues for those travelling to and from work – and have repercussions for the wider road network – with weeknight closures in place between Monday, September 16 and Saturday, October 5.

The exact nature of the scheme, which was approved by Buckinghamshire Council this month, has not been disclosed by the highways agency but, by the nature of their timescale, will likely involve large-scale repair and reconstruction work.