THOUSANDS of motorists endured lengthy delays on the Upton Bypass yesterday as a 14-week bridge engineering project got underway.

Morning rush-hour commuters experienced travel times of 30 minutes approaching Poole, from the Baker’s Arms roundabout until just after the A350 bridge - a distance of two miles.

Also, ongoing emergency Southern Gas Networks (SGN) work at Poole’s Ashley Cross - coupled with another set of roadworks at the nearby junction of Commercial Road and Church Road - led to further half hour delays for traffic heading towards Bournemouth.

The SGN work continued yesterday after a gas leak in the area at the weekend.

Ashley Cross businesses and residents were already angry about the effects of the scheduled roadworks, before these problems were exacerbated by the gas issue. Mark Bennet, of Mark Bennet The Artisan Baker, said: “We are 30 per cent down on trading, and it’s money you will not get back.”

Another Ashley Cross trader said: “Ultimately, if it is not convenient for people to visit Ashley Cross they will go elsewhere.”

Both the scheduled Bournemouth Road junction works and the SGN works should be completed by Friday.

Meanwhile, Dorset County Council (DCC) - which is carrying out the A350 bridge project - had already warned drivers to expect delays.

DCC natural and built environment cabinet member Cllr Daryl Turner said: “Give yourself extra time for your journey, allow other drivers to merge in turn and please drive to the temporary speed restrictions, which are in place for everyone’s safety.” Engineers will install concrete barriers to protect the A350 bridge piers in the verge. Work also includes improvements to the A35 westbound drainage, and the A350 bridge plinth replacement.

There is also a 30mph speed limit throughout the coned off works area, with a 50 mph limit leading into the area in both directions.

Cllr Turner said: “We’re carrying out as much road and bridge maintenance as possible under these temporary restrictions. Drivers will also see some construction work in the eastbound verge near the bridge.

“The new concrete barrier will prevent Wessex Water from accessing a water main parallel to the eastbound A35. To ensure access, we’re building a new ramp off the eastbound off-slip for water company maintenance vehicles.”