Roadworks on the A338 Wessex Way will commence on the evening of 5 March say Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council.

The work will take place between the Bournemouth West Roundabout and St Pauls Roundabout and involves the replacement of movement joints on the Braidley Road Overbridge.

Routine inspections of the Braidley Road and Richmond Hill bridges will also be undertaken.

The works will take approximately three weeks.

Councillor Mike Greene, Cabinet member for Finance, Net Zero and Transport said: “The Wessex Way is one of the main links between our three towns, which makes this sort of maintenance essential.

“The work we did in November to create gaps in the central reservation means we can operate contraflow arrangements for the first time while undertaking this month’s works, meaning two-way traffic can be maintained throughout.

“Even so, some delays are still to be expected and drivers should allow extra time for their journey or seek alternative routes if possible.”

Details of the contraflows in place and diversions are as follows:

Sunday night 5 March–Friday 10 March 

Eastbound carriageway closed, with all traffic using westbound carriageway. The eastbound on and off slip roads will be closed, with traffic diverted via Bournemouth West/St Pauls roundabouts.

Sunday night 12 March–Friday 17 March

Westbound carriageway closed, with all traffic using eastbound carriageway. There will be no access to the Wessex Way from Richmond Hill Interchange. Both westbound on and off slip roads will be closed. The eastbound on slip from Richmond Hill Interchange to A338 will be closed. Traffic to be diverted via Wimborne Road, Lansdowne Road and Holdenhurst Road and St Pauls Roundabout.

Sunday night 19 March–Thursday 24 March

Lane two closed in both directions. All slip roads open.

A temporary speed reduction to 30mph will be in place for the duration of the works.

The road will be open to traffic during the weekends of 11 and 12 March and 18 and 19 March.