ROAD users have been warned to expect disruptions when the first phases of works to revamp two of Poole’s busiest thoroughfares starts in the New Year.

Roadworks are set to take place on Ashley Road and Poole Road, Borough of Poole says, as part of the £12.1 million Three Towns Travel scheme.

This scheme, funded by national Government, is to improve travel links across Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch.

Engineers start on Ashley Road on January 2, where the first phase of these localised £1m works will be centred around the Mansfield Road junction.

On the same day work is also due to start on Poole Road, where £450,000 of improvements have been identified following public consultation.

Borough of Poole cabinet member Cllr Xena Dion said: “Unfortunately there will be some disruption to road users but we have scheduled the work in such a way as to minimise the impact to the community.

“We would like to thank drivers in advance for their patience and understanding while these improvements are carried out.”

The main Poole Road works and the first phase at Ashley Road are both scheduled for completion in the spring. Further works at key locations will be undertaken later in 2014, Borough of Poole has confirmed.

Poole Road’s improvements include revamping the area in front of the shops opposite John Lewis; altering the parking slightly; adding an additional bus lane that can be used by cyclists, and a shared cycleway linking Lindsay Road to Poole Road along St Aldhem’s Road.

Ashley Road’s improvements include new cycling facilities; the renewal of kerb lines together with carriageway and footway resurfacing; traffic signals replacements, and the removal of the existing banned left turn for vehicles from Mansfield Road into Ashley Road.

Cllr Dion said: “We have carried out extensive consultation with the local community to identify a range of improvement schemes along the main Poole to Bournemouth corridor as part of the Three Towns Travel project.

“I am delighted that these two important schemes are now starting to be delivered and will be of benefit to everyone, whether you walk, cycle, take the car or bus.”