Road users face five days of disruption from today as major work to repair a leaking main takes place in Christchurch.
The town is always busy thanks to a bypass which runs through the middle of the town, and any work on a key arterial route, snarls up surrounding roads and alternative routes.
The work on Barrack Road is due to take five days.
Here's what we know.
What road is closed?
Barrack Road eastbound will be closed between Stour Road and the Fountain roundabout from Monday September 26.
Both lanes heading towards the town centre will be closed off.
Why is this happening?
This is to allow SGN engineers to address a leaking main under the road, which has been located following reported gas escapes.
Hoardings have been up on a traffic island in the road since May.
Read more: Diversion route revealed for major roadworks
What is the diversion?
Well this is where it gets interesting.
The diversion around Stour Road and Bargates will just take you back around the already congested town. Not that there is much else you can do.
You will still be able to use Barrack Road westbound. This is towards Bournemouth, but won't be able to head towards Christchurch town centre via Barrack Road.
The signposted diversion will be in place via Stour Road and Bargates, with a temporary three-way traffic lights at the junction between these two roads to “help maintain the flow of traffic and to avoid congestion”.
What other restrictions are in place?
Barrack Road – road closed in an eastbound direction from the junction of Stour Road to Fountain Roundabout
Twynham Avenue – road closed at its junction with Barrack Road
Stour Road – parking suspended on the eastern side – no parking, no waiting, no loading/unloading to facilitate traffic movement
Read more: Barrack Road heading into town centre closing for five days
Bargates – parking suspended on both sides – no parking, no waiting, no loading/unloading to facilitate traffic movement
No vehicle access to the Pit Site Car Park
Who is doing the work?
SGN are carrying out the work.
Here's what they've said: “We are working closely with the BCP Council to ensure there is minimal impact for residents living on the side roads.
“We are making sure there are appropriate access restrictions and signage in place to discourage side roads being used as alternative routes”.
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