After more than seven months of major disruption, aerial photographs have shown the new layout of the controversial Heartsease roundabout taking shape.

Workers broke ground at the five-junction roundabout last September to improve safety for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists with new lanes and crossings.

The busy roundabout had seen more than 30 safety incidents in a decade, including injuries to 15 cyclists and eight pedestrians, prompting Norfolk County Council to secure £4.4m of government funding for the project.

Eastern Daily Press: Work began at the busy junction in September last yearWork began at the busy junction in September last year (Image: Mike Page)

This includes a realignment of the roundabout intended to make it easier to navigate and lane changes to reduce driver confusion and hesitation.

READ MORE: New pavements DUG UP just weeks after much needed work was completed

The junction would have one clear lane around the roundabout, with a single-lane entry and exit on each arm to reduce speeding.

Eastern Daily Press: The roundabout will be safer for pedestrians and cyclists once the work is completed, council bosses hopeThe roundabout will be safer for pedestrians and cyclists once the work is completed, council bosses hope (Image: Mike Page)

The scheme also brings new crossing facilities with zebra crossings for pedestrians and cyclists on all arms of the roundabout, intended to make the roundabout safer to cross.

After falling a month behind schedule due to unexpected drainage problems earlier this year, the roundabout is billed to reopen by Saturday, May 18.