WORK on the A338 Spur Road took drivers by surprise on Monday morning, with a lane closure causing delays to motorists during the morning rush hour.

Drivers expecting a clear road through from Bournemouth to the Ashley Heath roundabout on the northbound carriageway were brought to a standstill.

The lane was closed to allow work to assess the safety barrier and was expected to last for one day only.

Frustrated drivers commenting on our website enquired as to why there was no advance warning.

A Dorset County Council spokesman said: “This is a safety barrier inspection being carried out by Dorset County Council. “The work is for one day only.

“The lane has been closed to provide a safe working zone, with the section of lane closed being reduced as the work progresses.

“These works were provisionally scheduled for several months.

“However, regrettably, advance warning signs were not displayed as they should have been.

“We are investigating why this was the case.

“We apologise to motorists for the lack of prior notice of these works and for any inconvenience this may have caused.”