Motorists and passengers are facing disruption as major improvement works, set to last more than a year, begin in the city centre.

From today, the eastbound section of Western Road in Brighton will be closed to traffic for 18 months while work gets underway to improve air quality and encourage more walking and cycling.

Here is everything you need to know about the improvement works and how they might affect you.

What improvement works are taking place?

Major work is underway to improve Western Road to reduce air pollution and encourage more cycling and walking in the area.

Improvements being carried out include Road resurfacing, more cycle parking, seating and tree planting, improved pedestrian crossings and redesigning the junction with Dyke Road.

The bus stop at Clarence Square will also be permanently removed to provide additional pavement space.

When will the improvement works be completed?

The roadworks are expected to last around 18 months, meaning they should be completed by July next year.

How will traffic be affected by the roadworks?

Eastbound bus routes and taxis will be diverted via Montpelier Road and Upper North Street. The bus stop at Waitrose on Western Road will also be suspended during the roadworks.

The road will remain open westbound, meaning buses will operate and other traffic will still be able to access the area via side roads.

Access will be maintained to businesses along the road during opening hours, with a pedestrian route also to be provided alongside the roadworks.

How are the improvements being funded?

The majority of the funding for the project came from the Department for Transport after Brighton and Hove City Council successfully applied for money through the Active Travel Fund, the Highway Maintenance Challenge Fund, and the Bus Service Improvement Plan.

The council’s Carbon Neutral Fund will also fund parts of the improvement works, like cycling infrastructure and tree planning.