Roadworks on the A338: what's happening when and where

Motorists have been warned they will face disruption during the works.

Here’s everything you need to know about what’s happening, when and where.

What’s happening?

Three weeks of work will take place between Richmond Hill and the Bournemouth West roundabouts from Monday, November 14. 

The work, which will cost £250,000 involves the construction of two crossover points through the central reservation.

This has been funded through a capital grant from central government and could be used for all future maintenance along the stretch of the A338 in Bournemouth.

A crossover point is a break in the reservation that enables traffic to drive across a smooth surface and be switched onto the other carriageway when required.

Read more: Work for A338 Wessex Way central reservation 'crossovers' costing £250,000

How will they impact me?

Drivers will be affected three ways: 

• There will be a lane closure on both sides of the carriageway between Bournemouth West Roundabout and St Pauls Roundabout.
• The speed limit will be reduced from 40mph to 30mph which BCP Council said will be required to “ensure the safety of those working on site.”
• The eastbound Richmond Hill Interchange off slip will be closed with traffic diverted to Bournemouth West Roundabout.

What’s the diversion?

Traffic wanting to join the eastbound Wessex Way will be diverted westbound from Richmond Hill to Bournemouth West roundabout, where drivers can do a U-turn and join vehicles heading east.

Why is it happening?

BCP Council said it is to “enable future maintenance works” on the Braidley Road Overbridge.

The council said planned future maintenance works to the Braidley Road Overbridge will be supported by this arrangement, with the resulting traffic management allowing for one lane westbound and one lane eastbound.

Read more: New Road in West Parley closed due to tree safety fears

When will the overbridge works take place?

Details on when the overbridge work will take place has not been announced but a spokesperson for the highways authority said the road is not in a dangerous condition and there is no short-term risk to the structure.

What has BCP Council said?

Julian McLaughlin, BCP service director, transport and engineering, said: “The Wessex Way opened in 1970 and is one of the main arterial routes linking our three towns. We need to make sure it is properly maintained and remains safe for years to come.

“Following recent inspections, we’ve identified the need to replace the expansion joints together with other maintenance works on the Braidley Road Overbridge. To be able to do this safely and keep the road open, we need to install two crossover points.’’ 

“We appreciate that this will lead to some disruption to journeys and would therefore advise people to avoid travelling at peak times, use alternative routes or consider walking and cycling where possible.’’