WORK is due to start on Thursday evening (January 24) on improving the surface of the A35 Christchurch by-pass between Somerford and the town centre.

The scheme, expected to take three nights to complete subject to suitable weather conditions, will pioneer a new resurfacing process designed to give better grip to drivers on bends and braking zones on the approach to roundabouts.

Using a shot blasting technique to remove surface glazing and increase skid resistance, the work will start at 7pm and be completed each night before the morning rush hour.

While work is under way, affected sections of the dual carriageway will be reduced to a single lane and a temporary 40 mph speed limit imposed.

Areas earmarked for the treatment are both carriageways between Fountain roundabout and Stony Lane roundabout, the westbound approach to Stony Lane roundabout and the eastbound approach to the Somerford roundabout.

In addition a section leading onto the westbound by-pass from the Somerford roundabout will be treated.

The work is being carried out by Christchurch council in partnership with Dorset County Council which is funding the re-texturing process.

Christchurch council transport and highways manager Bob Baker said: "This process has been used successfully in Cornwall and Hampshire but we are the first to try it out in Dorset."

"If, as we expect, the process works as it should, then this technique can be used in place of resurfacing on many roads, saving the highway authority a substantial amount of money."