TRAFFIC chaos is expected when a busy Poole road is closed for round-the-clock resurfacing.

Diversions will be in place when a stretch of Ashley Road in Parkstone is closed for four days and nights next week.

The closure is to allow for a smoother, quieter road surface to be put in place.

Ashley Road (B3061) will be closed to through traffic from the junction of Albert Road to the roundabout with Alder Road from 7am on Monday February 15 to 6pm on Thursday February 18.

A diversion will be in place along Richmond Road and the A35 Bournemouth Road.

BCP Council is undertaking the works on a 24-hour basis to complete them as quickly as possible. This ambitious four-day turnaround follows the success of a similar accelerated resurfacing programme in Poole Road last November.

To minimise disruption, a relatively quick-setting ‘warm mix’ asphalt, which also offers a reduced carbon footprint, will be used, and the work will be split into four phases, beginning near the roundabout with Alder Road and progressing west towards Albert Road, in a bid to ensure that vehicle access to properties is interrupted for as little time as possible.

BCP Council is also working in collaboration with a local utility company to complete essential trench excavations, therefore avoiding the need for further disruption in the near future.

Emergency services and local residents and businesses are being informed. Advance warning signs are already in position and additional variable message signage will be in place shortly. Refuse collection days will be unchanged, although collection times may vary.

Bus services will be diverted and providers have been informed. Passengers are advised to contact the operators for details.

The infrastructure improvements are being funded by Department for Transport via the £2.9 million Pothole Fund.

Councillor Mark Anderson, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Cleanliness and Waste at BCP Council, said: "We apologise for the inconvenience caused, but we know how important the state of our roads is to local people and we are keen to take advantage of reduced traffic levels and visitor numbers to address key concerns where we can.

"These works will result in significant benefits in terms of safety, noise reduction and the prevention of future issues."

Councillor Mike Greene, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability, added: "By taking advantage of every opportunity to invest in our infrastructure and connectivity, we aim to deliver big changes across the region and make it an even better place to live, work, invest and play."

For further details of this scheme, including Q&As, please see www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/highwaymaintenance