REDUCED speed limits are to be introduced along with road improvements near Upton Country Park. 

Dorset Council is to make some major changes to the approach to the country park from Poole Road, Upton. 

As a result, the westbound A35 off-slipway will be closed when work starts on Monday, September 16 until it’s due to finish in November. 

A signed diversion route will begin at the next junction at Upton roundabout by the Aldi. 

Meanwhile, workmen will widen the pavements, install a new parallel crossing and reduce the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph from Upton Gateway roundabout and Poole Road, and to the park. 

This will revert back to the national speed limit on the westbound slip road before the dual carriageway to enable safe increase of speed for drivers approaching the A35. 

The two bus stops on the west bound side of Poole Road will be unavailable during the work, with passengers directed to nearby stops. 

And there will be three unspecified nights of road closures towards the end of the work for resurfacing. 

Motorists from Creekmoor will still be able to access both the A35 and Upton Road from the Upton Gateway roundabout. 

Motorists coming from Upton will still be able to access the Upton Bypass, Upton Country Park (which will remain open as usual) and Creekmoor from Poole Road. 

Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s cabinet member for place services, said: “These improvements are vital for the safety and wellbeing of communities in the local area, so we thank everyone in advance for their patience during the works. 

“We aim to keep disruption to a minimum but please plan ahead and allow extra time, particularly during the rush hour. 

“Widening the footway in this busy area, reducing the speed for a short stretch of road and adding the new crossing will make the area more pleasant and safer for all.” 

Other work includes the widening of footways from both the Upton and Creekmoor direction towards the park. 

And the left turn lane will be removed with the lane tightened at the junction of Poole Road and the A35 to reduce the risk of crashes.