PLANNED roadworks in Upton have been delayed until next year. 

Dorset Council has moved its major changes to the approach to Upton Country Park from Poole Road, Upton until January 13. 

The local authority said SGN’s work in Blandford Road North is expected to finish later than planned on September 20. 

And because it wanted to avoid extra disruption to Upton’s roads, the major changes have been planned to start at a later date. 

A spokesman said: “SGN's current one-way system means we would be unable to introduce our road closure and diversion route at the same time as their work. 

(Image: Dorset Council)

“Our decision was not made lightly: as well as keeping traffic flowing, we need to consider work schedules and equipment delivery to meet a timetable that suits everyone, without incurring extra costs. Our revised date will enable us to do this. 

“We understand this delay will be disappointing for many, including our own construction team. We remain committed to enhancing this area with minimal disruption and thank you for your patience and understanding.” 

The westbound A35 off-slipway will be closed to facilitate the two-month long roadworks, where the pavements will be widened and a new parallel crossing will be installed.

The speed limit was reduced from 40mph to 30mph from Upton Gateway roundabout and Poole Road, and to the park.   

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.”  

Bradley Barlow, spokesman for SGN, said: "Due to ongoing site challenges during our gas pipe upgrade work at Blandford Road North in Upton, we have had to extend the duration of our project. Work will now be completed by Friday 20 September.

"Our works were planned with urgency following emergency gas escapes. As a result of not being able to pre-order supplies in advance, we’ve experienced delays in receiving the specialist pipe required from our suppliers.

"The last section of pipe is being delivered this week and our engineers are confident they will complete the final section of gas mains replacement, have the road resurfaced, and operations cleared from site by Friday 20 September.

"We're sorry for any inconvenience our work may cause and the delays to the commencement of highways improvement works on Poole Road, Upton as a result of this extension."