IT’S Mad March for motorists with several major roadwork schemes and utility works causing disruption across Dorset.

The month is traditionally a frustrating one for drivers, with councils trying to complete the road improvement schemes they had planned to undertake – and allocated funding for - by the end of the financial year.

Councils who have successfully bid for Government cash to improve the roads are also often required to start the schemes before the end of the financial year.

Some of the schemes currently ongoing across the county are part of Three Towns Travel – a Government funded scheme to improve key routes in Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch.

As part of this multi-million pound scheme, improvement works are currently being carried out on Christchurch Road between St John’s Road and Ashley Road. There are also temporary lights on Castle Lane East at the Iford Roundabout.

However, the Richmond Hill improvements – another Three Towns Travel scheme - is now approaching its final phase and the end is also in sight at Castle Lane West, where there have been roadworks for much of the past year.

In Poole, there is disruption on the B3068 Blandford Road, where there are gas works and road improvements taking place.

And in Christchurch, there are roadworks and temporary traffic lights on Bridge Street and also along a stretch of Barrack Road during off-peak periods.

Outside of the major towns, resurfacing work is causing problems on the A35 between Bloxworth and the Baker's Arms Roundabout.

There are also roadworks and stop go boards in place on Dorchester Road around the Upton Cross area and on the A352 Wareham Road around Church Lane.

A spokesperson for Dorset County Council (DCC) said: “Roadworks are planned annually, so the current DCC work is part of this year’s plan. We can’t speak for the work being carried out by the utilities.”

Utility works are still causing problems in the Winton area of Bournemouth, where Alma Road continues to be closed at the junction with Trafalgar Road because of water main repairs.

And telecoms work is the reason for the temporary traffic lights on the A35 eastbound between Highcliffe Road and the B3059 Somerford Road and Ringwood Road at off peak times.