Delays warning as latest phase of A338 work starts

Work to rebuild the A338 Bournemouth Spur Road is due to last until May

Motorists are being warned of significant travel delays as the latest phase of work to rebuild the A338 Bournemouth Spur Road begins.

Part of the Ashley Heath roundabout is closed to eastbound traffic from the A31, with delays expected around Ringwood and on diversion routes.

The £22m project started in September and initially caused major congestion, including for patients and staff at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

Work is due to be completed in May.

A temporary speed restriction is also in place on the westbound A31.

Peter Finney, Dorset County Council Cabinet member for environment, said road users should consider using alternative routes or taking public transport.

"Drivers should plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys, especially in the first few days.

"It normally takes a week or so for traffic to settle down as drivers find alternative routes and change their travel patterns to avoid the additional congestion," he added.