Six Weeks Of Delays For Drivers

Drivers in Dorset are facing six weeks of delays as the final phase of work on the A35 begins.

Work on the Upton Bypass is moving into the central reservation, closing one lane each side of the road.

From Monday 4 March, Dorset County Council will be continuing work to strengthen the central columns of Policemans Lane Bridge and undertake extensive maintenance in the central reservation, including replacing corroded barriers posts, improving drainage and clearing vegetation.

Traffic cones will be in place closing the outside lane of the eastbound carriageway of the Upton Bypass from its start at Bakers Arms Roundabout to the junction with the A350.

Work between the junction with the A350 and the Upton Park junction will be done in restricted hours, with cones walked out at 9am and back in at 3.45pm.

On the westbound carriageway, the outside lane will be closed in the location of the bridge area and continue towards Bakers Arms Roundabout. Work taking place within 400 yards of the roundabout will also take place during restricted hours.

Councillor Peter Finney, Cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: "We expect this final phase of work to take around six weeks to complete, which unfortunately takes us through the Easter school holidays.

"We will be removing all traffic cones during the Easter weekend from lunchtime on Thursday 28 March until after rush hour on Tuesday 2 April and we hope that this will allow residents and visitors to enjoy the local attractions without additional delays.

"Drivers have helped us greatly by finding alternative routes where possible, which has kept congestion to a minimum."

A night time road closure of the westbound carriageway between 7pm and 6am, Monday to Friday, will be in place the weeks commencing Monday 11 March and Monday 23 March. This is for surface patching and maintenance to the slip roads.

For more information on the work click here.