DRIVERS are facing traffic chaos as work continues to upgrade a busy junction on a major route in Greenock.

A number of fed up local residents contacted the Tele after spending the last few weeks stuck in long queues waiting to get through temporary lights at the four way crossing linking Murdieston Street and Dunlop Street with Cornhaddock Street.

The work is part of an improvement plan to upgrade kerbs and improve the traffic signals for the disabled.

But locals claim they have seen very little activity on site so far, with the work due to finish next week.

One fed up motorist said: "I live locally and we are stuck in the queue for ages, sometimes waiting for the lights to change three or four times before we get through.

"I have hardly seen anyone working, they have moved a few slabs.

"This work could have been completed much faster."

Another resident living nearby who didn't want to be named added: "There are never any workmen present and any time I have passed there is no one there.

"But the delays at rush hour are long and there is a huge build up of traffic."

Inverclyde Council say the temporary lights have been operated manually at peak times to reduce congestion.

They also added that the upgrade is to comply with disability legislation.

A spokesman added: “We are making improvements to the junction layout to make it compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act allowing access for all at the crossing points and to bring the junction layout in line with current design guidance.

“The works involve amending the kerbs, relaying tactile paving and amendments to the traffic signals.

“In order for the improvements to be carried out safely and to allow safe access through the junction, temporary lights were installed and these have been manually operated during peak times to reduce delays and this will continue until the works are completed next week.”