MOTORISTS are set to face weeks of traffic delays in Christchurch as tomorrow marks the start of two months of roadworks in main routes through the town centre.

CityFibre is carrying out installation work along a stretch of Barrack Road from Monday, February 15, through to Monday, March 15.

A lane closure will be in force while engineers are in the area, with fibre excavation being carried out between the roundabout with Bailey Drive to the Fountain roundabout.

Road closures will be in place at the start of Arthur Road on Wednesday, February 17, to Friday, February 19, Belvedere Road from Friday, February 19, until Monday, February 22, Stour Road from Monday, February 22 to Friday, February 26, and Twynham Avenue between Thursday, February 25 and Saturday, February 27.

CityFibre is carrying out a programme of work to make Christchurch a 'Gigabit City' area.

A statement on the company's website says: "Christchurch is about to be transformed into one of the best digitally connected areas on the planet as CityFibre invests in a new full fibre network throughout the town.

"The network will provide lightning-fast digital connections to everyone and everything – from your family at home, to your children at school, your workplace and even traffic lights and CCTV cameras."

In addition to the Barrack Road works, from Monday, March 8, until Tuesday, April 13, SSE Enterprise Telecoms will be working in Fountain Way and the Christchurch Bypass up to the roundabout with Stony Lane.

These works will involve a lane closure for the installation of equipment to house fibre optic cables.

Bargates is set to experience roadworks from Monday, February 15, to Friday, February 19, and from Monday, February 22, to Friday, February 26, to allow Bournemouth Water to install two new services. This will require two-way temporary traffic lights for both weeks.