LONG-SUFFERING motorists have breathed a huge sigh of relief when the horrendous Castle Lane East roadworks in Bournemouth reached their conclusion.

After months of tailbacks and delays, drivers felt they were entitled to look forward to faster journeys to and from work, school and the shops.

Trouble-free travel seems a distant memory for many who also endured the problematic resurfacing of the Wessex Way.

But the period of respite has been short-lived.

This weekend will see the start of major works on the A338 Spur Road which will see sliproads closed, diversions, re-surfacing and delays.

But don't worry - it will be finished by the end of November!

Dorset County Council has admitted the work, centred around the Blackwater junction, will lead to major hold-ups but has stressed that it cannot be avoided.

David Gibb, head of Highways Client Services said the work was postponed last year due to the Labour Party conference being held in Bournemouth.

But he added: "This year the repairs to the carriageway and bridges are vital - the road surface is worn out and we can't leave it any longer."

He said several pieces of essential work must be carried out at the junction and, if done separately, they would take up to 30 weeks.

"Scheduling the works together will reduce that to 14 weeks" he said. "Starting in September means we will avoid the school holidays and hopefully still be able to complete the work in good weather.

"However, there will inevitably be disruption and delays to local residents, businesses and motorists and we ask the public to bear with us during the work."

The work will see the closure of the sliproads to and from the Spur Road and the B3073 Hurn Road, meaning traffic will be unable to join or leave the Spur Road at the junction.

Diversions via the Cooper Dean roundabout, Castle Lane East, Barrack Road, The Grove and Hurn Road will be set up.

First published: Sept 3