Traffic chaos fears as Somerford roundabout set for five days of roadworks

MOTORISTS fear traffic chaos in Christchurch while BCP Council carries out five days of repairs to Somerford roundabout.

The council said it has planned road closures so drivers will not face long delays on the approach roads to the major Christchurch junction.

But on social media many shared concerns about how their regular journeys might be disrupted when the work begins on Sunday 31st January.

One said: “I am a nurse and I have to use this route every day to get to work. I’m really worried about how long it is going to take me when these repairs are being carried out.”

Another who works at Sainsbury’s, which is just off the roundabout, commented: “How am I supposed to get to work every day? This is going to be a nightmare.”

Work will begin on 31st January at 7pm and last until 5th February at 7pm. Split into two phases, one half of the roundabout and its approaches will be resurfaced with one-way road closures keeping it open.

After that section has been repaired, the roundabout will remain closed to traffic for a period so that each part has sufficient time for the surfacing material to cure.

BCP Council said it will be using an innovative substance which will make it less prone to wear and tear. Access to businesses such as Sainsbury’s and Stewarts garden centre will be maintained.

An SSE fibre optic cable on Christchurch bypass will also be installed on Christchurch bypass at the same time.

The work is part of a nearly £4.19m investment to improve local infrastructure. The money came from the Department of Transport’s challenge fund.

The two phases and roads affected will be as follows:

Phase 1 (7pm January 31st to 6am Wednesday February 3rd)The north side of the roundabout will be closed. The A35 Christchurch bypass will be closed eastbound only; A35 Lyndhurst Rd closed southbound at roundabout; no access to A337 Highcliffe Rd; Somerford Avenue to have temporary access arrangement.

Phase 2 (7am Wednesday February 3rd to February 5th)The south side of the roundabout closed. A35 Christchurch bypass closed westbound, A337 Highcliffe Road closed westbound at Hoburne roundabout; B3059 Somerford Road closed northbound on approach to roundabout; Grange Road to have temporary access arrangement.

For further details visit bcpcouncil.gov.uk/highwaymaintenance