TRAFFIC bosses are under fire for an 11-week roadworks scheme, just yards from ongoing Upton bypass works that are already causing gridlock.

Next month, Dorset County Council will start constructing a cycle lane along Poole Road.

The road, which links onto the Upton bypass where existing works are scheduled until the end of April, is already being used as an alternative route to minimise journey times, motorists say.

Describing the decision as “a complete lack of common sense and planning” driver James Prince pointed out: “We currently have major work on the Upton bypass which is causing gridlock during the morning and evening peaks.

“This results in huge delays through Upton as motorists look for an alternative route. Poole Bridge being closed at the same time does not help.”

The Poole Road cycle lane work, which will be controlled by temporary lights out of rush hour times, is scheduled to last from March 13 to July 1.

DCC highway improvements team leader Richard Colby said: “We appreciate that there are currently works on the A35 Upton bypass and to ensure minimal disruption during the cycleway works, we have programmed for there to be two-way free flowing traffic that will be maintained during peak flows.

“So the traffic lights will not be set up before 9.30am and will be removed by 3.30pm each day. Traffic data shows that traffic flows out of peak times on Poole Road during the construction works on the A35 are similar to normal traffic levels.”

Not only does it coincide with the Upton bypass works - but also a number of roadworks on Blandford Road planned for March, south of the Upton double roundabouts.

Mr Prince said: “How anyone can think that having three sets of roadworks at the same time in a heavily congested area is beyond me.”

Another motorist, who uses Poole Road to access the Upton bypass said: “This is pure stupidity, its as though someone is trying to make life a misery for everyone on purpose. My drive into Bournemouth takes more than twice it used to before the Upton bypass works started.”

Wessex Water will be carrying out two weeks of water mains work on Blandford Road, from March 6. Meanwhile, Southern Gas Networks and Southern Electricity will also be working in the same area for a week from March 1.

Mr Colby said: “The cycleway has been programmed to be constructed during the Spring as this is the quietest time for traffic flow during the year, and we wanted to avoid disruption during the Summer and have the new cycling facility available for this summer.”