MOTORISTS are set for more prolonged journeys and travel disruption due to weeks of roadworks on the A35.

Bournemouth Water is due to carry out essential maintenance in Lyndhurst Road, Hinton Admiral, near the Cat and Fiddle pub from Monday, January 9.

Temporary traffic lights will be in place at the junction with Ringwood Road, while drivers will be unable to turn right onto the A35 eastbound from the Walkford section of Ringwood Road and unable to turn right onto from the A35 westbound from the Bransgore side of Ringwood Road.

These measures were approved following consultation with the highways authority.

A Bournemouth Water spokesperson said: “In January, we will be starting essential maintenance to a water main on the A35 Lyndhurst Road, Hinton.

“This will involve relining the water main to reduce the risk of future bursts and to protect customer supplies in the area. To ensure the work can be carried out safely, a traffic lights system will be in place at the junction with Ringwood Road from January 9 for around five weeks.

“Road users will be prevented from turning right onto the A35 from Ringwood Road and there will be two small diversions.

“We expect to fully reopen the road by February 20 and we would like to thank customers for their patience while we complete these essential works.”