The A35 Christchurch Bypass will shut for three weeks in November and December with BCP Council warning diversion routes will add significant time to journeys
CHRISTCHURCH drivers will be hit with yet another disruptive road closure with the A35 bypass to shut for three weeks and diversions adding up to an hour to journey times.
The work will see the eastbound carriageway from the Fountain Roundabout to Stony Lane closed between 6pm on Monday 27th October and 6am on 10th November.
Phase two of the works will involve the shutting of the westbound carriageway between Somerford Roundabout and Fountain Roundabout from 6pm on 10th November to 6am on 17th November.
The official diversion route for eastbound traffic will be via A35 Barrack Road, Iford roundabout, A3060 Castle Lane East, Cooper Dean roundabout, A338 Wessex Way, A31 to M27 junction 1 Cadnam off slip, A336 to Totton, A326 to A35 Lyndhurst Road, A35 Bournemouth Road to A35 Somerford roundabout.
For westbound traffic, the route will be via A35 Lyndhurst Road, to A337 to Cadnam to A31, A338 Wessex Way, Cooper Dean roundabout, A3060 Castle Lane East to Iford roundabout and A35 Barrack Road.
For Burton and Winkton, a diversion route will also be in place via Ringwood and the A31/A338 Wessex Way. Salisbury Road will retain access via the off slip to the A35 Christchurch Bypass and traffic signals will be in place on the Avon Causeway.
BCP Council say the works will include gas mains repair works by Southern Gas Network in Stony Lane; bridge parapet repairs over the River Mude; vital maintenance such as vegetation clearance, sign renewal, litter picking, gully cleaning, and crash barrier repairs; and the implementation of a visibility screen for safety at the junction of Purewell Cross.
Cllr Andy Hadley, cabinet member for highways maintenance at BCP Council, said: “The diversion route for these essential works is extensive due to the requirement for diverted A-road traffic to use another suitable A-road.
“That and weight restrictions on some routes means the main diversionary route sends vehicles, with the focus on HGVs, on a 30-mile diversion. However, other routes are available as usual. We would ask that you do not use Burley as a shortcut, as roads there are suitable for local access only.
"We understand the inconvenience road closures can cause, and we’ve worked hard to minimise disruption, especially for market day and public transport users.
“These improvements are vital to ensure the safety and longevity of our road network, and we appreciate residents’ patience while we carry out this essential work."
The scheme has been designed to ensure that local businesses remain open as usual, the authority states. Christchurch Market and associated bus services will continue to operate as normal on Mondays, with work pausing on those days.