A MAJOR three-month engineering project at one of Poole's busiest junctions has come to an end.

Engineers have replaced the Waterloo Road/Hatchpond Road junction traffic lights as part of a £665,000 scheme, timed to finish before the start of a much larger £4million project set to start at Poole's Gravel Hill this July.

The Waterloo Road junction - which has the highest number of traffic signals for any junction in Poole - also had a new toucan crossing installed.

Existing shared pedestrian and cyclist crossing facilities were also upgraded, while the junction and sections of Waterloo Road, between Sopers Lane and Hatchpond Road, were resurfaced.

Borough of Poole (BOP) engineering manager John Rice said: "We are pleased that the significant improvements to this busy junction, undertaken by the council's own construction team working with Siemens and Volker Highways, have been completed on time.

"We would like to thank road users for their patience and understanding while these works have been carried out."

The signals refurbishment and improvement works cost £445,000, while the highways resurfacing totalled £220,000, according to BOP figures.

BOP transport member Cllr Drew Mellor said: "While these essential works do not form part of the major improvements that will be carried out from the A31 to the Port of Poole later this year, they do complement the work on this important transport corridor.

"The installation of toucan crossings at this junction means that once the Gravel Hill improvements have been completed, there will be a direct cycle facility from Merley to Fleetsbridge roundabout, with the majority off-road."

According to the council the new traffic signals, which have more efficient software, will improve traffic flow throughout the day.