POOLE’S busy A349 Gravel Hill will close to traffic for three months next year as part of a £4.3 million improvement scheme, it has been announced.

Motorists have been warned to expect “considerable inconvenience” when the project to stabilise the embankment gets underway.

Residents and businesses are being asked to comment on the eight month-long project, planned from Queen Anne Drive to Dunyeats Road, which is scheduled to start in summer 2016.

Borough engineers say it is essential the project to stabilise the deteriorating embankment is completed, otherwise it is only a matter of time before it collapses.

Work will also be carried out to improve traffic flows at the junctions, and make the A349 safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

Borough of Poole (BOP) engineering manager John Rice said: “We are aware that the Gravel Hill embankment has deteriorated over recent years despite regular maintenance.

“We are constantly assessing the embankment to ensure it is safe, but if we don’t carry out the works the embankment will at some point fail, resulting in this busy road being closed.

“We are also looking to improve the reliability of journey times from the A31 to the Port of Poole and Poole town centre.”

For most of the project a one-way road closure will be in operation, but for up to three months the road will close fully.

During this time diversion routes will be in place for motorists, but it is hoped access can be maintained for pedestrians and cyclists.

As well as comments on the project, residents and businesses are also being asked to comment on the type of temporary measures to be implemented, in a bid, borough engineers say, to minimise traffic disruption.

Mr Rice said: “We recognise these works will cause considerable inconvenience to people. We would like to hear feedback on these proposals and whether there are any temporary measures that could be provided to help ease disruption.”

Around £3.9 million of the funding was secured from the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership, with the remainder funded by BOP.

BOP cabinet portfolio holder for transportation Cllr Ian Potter said: “We are fully committed to ensuring that the A349 remains a safe and reliable route to the Port of Poole and this £4.3million scheme represents a significant investment in this main route.”

An online questionnaire will be available at poole.gov.uk/dorsetgrowthdeal until November 29, 2015.

A public consultation meeting is in the process of being arranged, and details will be announced soon.