Drivers urged to avoid stretch of busy road for three weeks
A 30mph speed limit will be in force on part of the Wessex Way in Bournemouth
Last updated 14th Nov 2022
Drivers are being warned to expect delays as major work begins on a busy commuter route in Bournemouth.
To enable maintenance works on the Braidley Road Overbridge, BCP Council is carrying out work on the A338 Wessex Way from 14 November.
The works will require a single lane closure on both sides of the carriageway between Bournemouth West Roundabout and St Pauls Roundabout for approximately three weeks.
A 30mph speed limit will be in force for the safety of road workers.
The Eastbound Richmond Hill Interchange off slip will be closed with traffic diverted to Bournemouth West Roundabout.
Works involve the construction of two crossover points through the central reservation.
A crossover point is a break in the reservation that enables traffic to drive across a smooth surface and be switched onto the other carriageway when required.
Planned future maintenance works to the Braidley Road Overbridge will be supported by this arrangement, with the resulting traffic management allowing for one lane Westbound and one lane Eastbound.
Julian McLaughlin, BCP Service Director, Transport and Engineering, said:
"The Wessex Way opened in 1970 and is one of the main arterial routes linking our three towns. We need to make sure it is properly maintained and remains safe for years to come.
"Following recent inspections, we’ve identified the need to replace the expansion joints together with other maintenance works on the Braidley Road Overbridge.
"To be able to do this safely and keep the road open, we need to install two crossover points.
"We appreciate that this will lead to some disruption to journeys and would therefore advise people to avoid travelling at peak times, use alternative routes or consider walking and cycling where possible."