The stretch of Ringwood Road between Alderney Roundabout and Mountbatten Roundabout in Poole will have lane closures starting from Monday, September 9.
Workmen will close the road northbound between 10pm and 6am and the following night it will be closed southbound to facilitate the road closures.
BCP Council said: “A series of lane closures will be in place from 9 September until spring 2025 for transport improvement work. Diversions will be signposted.”
Costing £17.5million, the work includes new cycle lanes, bus lanes, new bus stops, crossings and resurfacing.
Andy Hadley, cabinet member for the environment, said: “The construction period will inevitably cause disruption, and I’d like to thank everyone in advance for their patience.
“Please allow extra time for your journeys.”
The work is part of the £102m transforming cities fund (TCF) for the south east Dorset region – a grant handed to BCP and Dorset councils.
The investment was due to deliver 78 kilometres of new cycle and walking options and bus improvements across six “sustainable travel routes”.
But last year it was confirmed to the Echo that large chunks of it will be axed as the budget can no longer cover the costs.
Poole Roadworks: The Impact on Drivers
The road closures on Ringwood Road are expected to cause significant disruption for drivers. The closures will be in place from 9 September until Spring 2025, with drivers advised to allow extra time for their journeys. The closures are part of a £17.5 million project to improve transport in the area, which includes the addition of new cycle lanes, bus lanes, bus stops, and crossings, as well as resurfacing work. However, the project has also been subject to budget cuts, with some elements being axed. Despite this, the council has stated that it is committed to completing the work, which it says will eventually improve the area's transport infrastructure.
Understanding the Disruptions
Road Closure Schedule
The schedule of road closures on Ringwood Road is as follows:
- Northbound closures: 10pm to 6am, starting from Monday, September 9.
- Southbound closures: 10pm to 6am, the night after the northbound closures.
These closures are expected to continue until spring 2025, with diversions signposted for drivers.
Impact of the Budget Cuts
While the roadworks are intended to improve transport in the area, the project has been subject to budget cuts. This has led to the axing of some elements of the project, which originally included 78 kilometers of new cycle and walking options and bus improvements across six “sustainable travel routes”. This means that the final scope of the project may be different from the original plan. The council has stated that it is still committed to completing the work, but the impact of the budget cuts on the project is still being determined.
Beyond Poole: A35 Road Closure Near Bere Regis
Another major road closure is set to affect drivers in Dorset. The A35 Poole Road will be closed for maintenance and resurfacing work for four weekdays, between September 12 and 17, from 9am to 4pm each day. Dorset Council is warning drivers to allow extra time for their journeys, as diversions will be in place.
Impact of A35 Closure: A Long Detour
The closure of the A35 Poole Road is expected to cause significant disruption for drivers, particularly those traveling between Bere Regis and Poole. The closure is necessary for maintenance and resurfacing work, but it will require drivers to take a much longer detour. Dorset Council is urging drivers to plan their journeys accordingly and to allow extra time, as the diversions will be substantial.
The closure is part of the council's ongoing efforts to improve the condition of the road network in Dorset. While this work is essential, it is likely to cause inconvenience for many drivers. The council has said that it will be working to minimize the disruption as much as possible, but it is important for drivers to be aware of the closures and to plan their journeys accordingly.
Looking Ahead: More Disruptions Likely
These road closures are just the latest in a series of planned works that will affect drivers in Dorset over the coming months. With the ongoing investment in infrastructure, more road closures and diversions are likely to be implemented in the future. Drivers should be prepared for these disruptions and plan their journeys accordingly to avoid delays. It is also important to stay informed about the latest closures and diversions, which can be found on the council's website and social media pages.
With the council's commitment to improving the area's transport infrastructure, these road closures and diversions are a necessary evil. While the disruptions may be frustrating for drivers, they will ultimately contribute to the long-term benefit of the region. By staying informed and planning their journeys accordingly, drivers can navigate these disruptions and contribute to a more efficient and sustainable transport network for the future.
