Drivers are being warned to expect some disruption when the final stage of a rail crossing upgrade scheme begins.

Manually operated crossings in Attleborough and nearby villages are being replaced with automated barriers as part of a project by Network Rail.

The second phase of the resignalling between Norwich and Ely will take place at Attleborough, Harling Road, Eccles Road and Spooner Row level crossings from November 30 to December 3.

The project will make old signal boxes redundant in favour of a radar-controlled system on eight level crossings on the rail line, which Network Rail says will improve safety.

Level crossings in the area will be affected throughout most of the weekend, with crossings either being under local control with temporary traffic lights, or blocked off with a temporary diversion in place.

A Network Rail spokesman said: 'Across the region, we are improving level crossings and it is right that we invest in the latest technology to provide passengers with a safe, reliable, efficient railway that is fit for the future. We do appreciate this project will cause some disruption and thank the people in the area for their understanding.'

There will be a full closure of the level crossings at Harling, Eccles Road, and Spooner Road from 11pm on November 30 to 6am on December 3.

In Attleborough, the crossing will be shut overnight on November 30, December 1 and 2 and two way traffic lights will be in place during the day from 7am. There will also be a full closure from 10.30pm on November 26 until 6.30am on November 27.

Network Rail is looking to hand over the listed signal box building at Attleborough rail station to Attleborough Heritage Group.

The resignalling work, which was installed in Brandon earlier this year resulted in locals reporting the barriers being down for up to 20 minutes. A spokesman for Network Rail said there had been some problems with power supply to the signalling system in Brandon, but that in general barriers may stay down longer for safety reasons.