ROADWORKS aimed at cutting traffic queues are due to start on the Chapel Gate roundabout in July.

The works are part of the Bournemouth International Growth (BIG) Programme - intended to boost business investment around both Bournemouth Airport and the Wessex Fields site - and are expected to last until December.

Dorset County Council said the work would be carried out during “off peak hours” to minimise disruption.

Costing £1.5 million, and starting on July 3, the works will see a new dedicated left turn for westbound traffic from Hurn created, along with an extra lane for eastbound traffic providing better access to Aviation Business Park, and new cycleway and footway links.

Also, work at Blackwater Junction on the A338 will take place for one year, starting in September 2017.

Gordon Page, chairman of Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), which is overseeing the £45m programme, said: “The BIG Programme is making great progress with major improvement works taking place at both Chapel Gate and Blackwater this summer - all aimed at relieving congestion and creating better journeys for local businesses and people.

“We are working closely with Dorset County Council and Bournemouth Borough Council to ensure we keep driver disruption and impact on businesses to a minimum while these much needed, economy-building transport improvements take place.

“Collectively they will alleviate traffic congestion, transform accessibility, create and protect jobs and drive economic growth around Bournemouth Airport and Wessex Fields.”

The county council says there “will be a limited requirement for road traffic signals” and some work will be carried out at night.

Mike Harries, the county council’s director for environment and economy, said: “We are committed to making Dorset an attractive place to do business and for that we need to invest in our road network to keep Dorset moving.

“Our work at Chapel Gate is the latest step in our plans for easing congestion and making journey times more reliable.”