MOTORISTS using the congested A351 will be able to breathe a deep sigh of relief, as work is due to end a week early.

Commuters have been using alternative routes to get to and from Wareham and Swanage since the roadworks began last month.

Initially traffic using Sandford Road near Wareham was severely congested by the temporary closure of the B3075 for two weeks last month.

The final phase of the roadworks on the A351 was due to last until Sunday November 18 with a two-way temporary traffic signal and stop and go boards used to regulate the traffic.

However a spokesman for Dorset County Council, confirmed: "Work on the A351 should be finished by the weekend, which is almost a week ahead of schedule."

The road will now reopen on Monday November 12.

Motorists using the A35 to get to work in Poole and Bournemouth have also been affected by the road works.

One commuter, who travels to work in central Bournemouth from East Dorset, said: "It took me an hour-and-a-half to get to work last Friday after the roadworks began, which is twice as long as it would normally take.

"The works on the A351 have caused huge congestion from the junction of the B3075 and the A35, so people have been using the A31 instead."

News of the completion will come as a relief to motorists travelling between Purbeck, Poole and Bournemouth, who face further delays due to resurfacing and maintenance work on the Holes Bay Road between the Holes Bay North roundabout and Holes Bay roundabout, which started on Monday.