Drivers face delays on main A-road from October

Eastbound journeys are expected to take up to one hour longer and westbound about 45 minutes during the closures

Drivers are being warned of lengthy diversions on a stretch of a dual carriageway closing for three weeks for roadworks.

The project on the A35 Christchurch Bypass in Dorset will include resurfacing along sections of the road and repairs to a bridge parapet and gas main.

Taking place in two phases with diversions in place, drivers are being advised to allow up to one hour extra for eastbound journeys and 45 minutes if travelling westbound.

The first closure will see the eastbound stretch shut from 27 October - 10 November beginning at the A35 Fountain Way roundabout. Then from 10 November - 17 November the road will be closed westbound from the A35 Somerford roundabout.

Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council said the work included resurfacing the A35 Stony Lane (Purewell Cross) roundabout and a section of the dual carriageway from the Fountain Way roundabout to the southern end of the B3347 Stony Lane.

A visibility screen is also being put in at the junction of Purewell Cross for safety.

The authority said diversion routes had been carefully planned so they were suitable for all vehicles, including HGVs, with eastbound traffic diverted via Totton due to weight restrictions in Lyndhurst.

Councillor Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for highways maintenance at BCP Council, said: "We understand the inconvenience road closures can cause, and we've worked hard to minimise disruption, especially for market day and public transport users.

"We would ask that you do not use Burley as a shortcut, as roads there are suitable for local access only."

The council said local businesses would remain open as usual and work would pause on Mondays to allow Christchurch Market and bus services to run as normal.