MOTORISTS faced long delays on Monday morning after a crash closed the southbound stretch of the A338 Spur Road.

The collision, involving a Toyota Aygo and a VW van, took place near the exit sliproad at Blackwater Junction just before 7.25am.

It was reported that those involved suffered minor injuries.

However, the carriageway was “completely blocked” and police were forced to close the road at Ashley Heath.

Police officers, firefighters and paramedics attended the crash, and the council was also called as fuel had spilled onto the road surface. Both the van and the car were recovered.

Police cleared a lane to allow vehicles pass the collision at around 8.15am and tow trucks arrived shortly after 8.50am. The road was fully reopened after an hour.

Drivers were stuck in long queues around Parley on the A347 New Road and Bournemouth Airport as a result of the crash.

There was also severe congestion on the northbound carriageway, starting at Bargates in Christchurch, as well as delays on the Avon Causeway.

It has led to some concerns about how the road network will cope come later this year when roadworks are due to start as part of the Bournemouth International Growth (BIG) Programme.

The £20million project is a series of road schemes intended to free up traffic and boost jobs.

Mike Read, project director for the BIG programme, said: “The schemes are being designed and co-ordinated to minimise disruption to the travelling public. This is not an easy task as most of the schemes are on existing roads.

“For the scheme at Blackwater Junction, we have been working to determine the safest and least disruptive traffic management options.

“This will include keeping the current lanes available for as much of the peak period as possible. When safe and necessary we will be implementing a limited number of night-time closures.

“The works are being carried out in phases. Work will commence on the eastern half of the junction in September and once completed works on the western half will begin.”

The Hurn Roundabout scheme does not currently have a start date due to ongoing land negotiations.”