A WEEK after work began in earnest on a major road scheme, drivers, residents, traders and highway chiefs agree traffic flow has been better than expected in some quarters.

Despite closure of one lane in each direction on Barrack Road either side of Stour Road, the absence of traffic lights has kept motorists on the move.

And while blamed for adding to peak time congestion, particularly on the Fountain roundabout, diversion routes appear to be working well.

Gordon Jenkins, Dorset County Council's capital works team leader in charge of the project, said: "Traffic seems to be flowing nicely along Barrack Road.

"There is a lot of traffic elsewhere but drivers are getting used to it and finding their way. It all seems to be working well."

His views were echoed by Christchurch Chamber of Trade president, Nikki Sale, who reckoned rush hour jams were no worse than normal, adding: "There have been hold ups, but the traffic is still moving."

The reduction of traffic on Barrack Road as drivers seek alternative routes has also been welcomed by pedestrians using a temporary traffic light crossing.

The current first phase of work on the £1.25 million revamp at one of the biggest bottlenecks and accident blackspots in Dorset is expected to continue until Christmas before the nearside lanes of Barrack Road are reopened and the central carriageways coned off in the new year.

Expected to be completed by May 2008, the scheme will provide safe crossings for pedestrians and cyclists on all arms of the junction; wider pavements and cycle paths connecting the crossings to the cycleway over the railway bridge; new pedestrian refuge islands; state-of-the-art detection equipment, enabling better traffic management and new road surfacing, with a ban on dangerous right-turns.

Meanwhile, queries or problems with the road works can be referred to Dorset County Council's CLARENCE (Customer Lighting And Road Enquiry Centre) hotline on 0800 232323 from 9am to 5pm Mondays to Fridays and by ringing 01305 838427 outside those times.