Work is finally set to start on potholed-riddled road described as “moon-like” and dubbed the worst road in Britain - but motorists have been warned to expect five weeks of delays.

The road made national headlines because it is so poor, with drivers saying the surface was like driving over the moon.

The five-week scheme will start next week in Barton under Needwood which will see the potholed B5016 Station Road resurfaced, along with three roundabouts and slip roads onto the A38. Kerbs and ironworks will also be replaced as part of the project, say roadworks bosses.

It is part of a £500,000 project to improve roads which form part of a junction of the A38 in East Staffordshire and will begin on Monday, July 31.

From Monday there will be investigative work, kerb replacement and ironwork repairs. This phase will feature some 'traffic management', including lane closures, drivers have been warned.

Potholes on the B5016 at Barton under Needwood will be repaired soon

The main resurfacing in Barton will start on Monday, August 14, and will need traffic management during the day and full night-time closures on different sections with signed diversions in place. Closures will be put in place between 7.30pm and 6am. The scheme is scheduled to be completed by Friday, September 1.

Helen Fisher, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet support member for highways and transport, said: “Our £500,000 investment at Barton Turns is part of our wider package of improvements across the county, and one of a series at busy junctions.

“It has been programmed in for the holiday period to ensure it is completed by the time most people are back at work and school. Some full closures will be needed, though these will be at night-time to minimise disruption.

“We know the completion of this scheme will be welcomed. We would ask people to allow extra time for their journeys or plan alternative routes and thank people for bearing with us while work is carried out.”

Burton Mail readers have previously made their voices heard over the state of the road with Andrew Hollyhead, from Barton, going as far as to call the B5016 island on the way back from Walton to Barton as “moon-like” and “more suited for an off-road vehicle”.

Others have said that there are better roads in India and Africa than Barton. Last year the roundabout made national news and headlines with people asking whether it was one of the worst roads in the country for its potholes and general condition.

The potholes on the B5016 at Barton under Needwood after become famous for being so bad.

They reacted with further anger when it was revealed earlier this year that they would have to wait until summer for work to be started on the resurfacing.

Drivers can see more detail on road closures, with live traffic information by visiting www.roadworks.org

Other roadworks across Burton and South Derbyshire

Motorists heading on the roads around Burton and Swadlincote are urged to check for roadworks before setting off on their journey to save time.

The A38 misery on the northbound carriageway at the A5121 Branston Interchange is about to come to an end as it is planned to be the last day of roadworks on the exit slip road tomorrow, July 27. These were in place to allow for work to be completed to upgrade the junction for a new housing development. In Tatenhill Lane, Tatenhill , after Branston Road and Dunstall Road, the road will remain closed until August 1 for the same development.

Water main work on the A5121 Derby Road northbound at B5018 Hawkins Lane, Princess Way and Wetmore Road will cause delays until July 30. There are temporary traffic lights near to Burton Albion Football Club.

People in Overseal are also warned to expect delays for the foreseeable future on the A444 Burton Road. Electricity work will see one lane closed at Linton Road until September 4 and temporary traffic lights at Park Road until August 28.

In Bretby Road, Swadlincote, at the B5353 High Street, there will be temporary traffic lights until July 28 for gas main works. This will affect bus services four, eight, nine and 19. In High Street, Repton, there are temporary traffic lights at the B5008 Burton Road and Brook End for telecoms work which will be in place until August 4.

Temporary traffic lights will also cause delays in Ashby on Burton Road at Akinson Road for roadworks which will be in place until August 13.

Roadworks will cause delays in Hastings Road at Stanhope Road, in Swadlincote, until June 8, 2018, with temporary traffic lights in place.