SIX weeks of road maintenance works are taking place on a busy road in Bournemouth - and it will also be closed in one direction.

Starting on Monday, Bournemouth Borough Council will be carrying out "essential carriageway works" on Wimborne Road, between Millhams Road roundabout and Ferncroft Road.

A statement from the local authority says engineers will be using "recycled road materials" to carry out the work following road condition surveys, which indicate the need for resurfacing as a "cost effective" measure to prevent major road failure occurring.

During the works, Wimborne Road will be fully closed to westbound traffic, with vehicles being diverted via Northbourne Avenue to Kinson Road. Vehicles over seven and a half tonnes travelling westbound will be required to travel via New Road/Parley Cross.

Gary Powell, head of traffic, engineering and major projects said: “Planned maintenance works on this busy route are essential to ensure that the road network is kept in good condition for all road users.

"Whilst we have endeavoured to minimise the time that the works will take to complete, by the use of recycled road materials, unfortunately there will still be some disruption to travel.

"I would ask for road users to follow the signed diversion routes as appropriate and to considering planning ahead at this time if possible.”

Sections of the same stretch of road were closed earlier this year to refurbish traffic signals and carry out “some resurfacing works”.

The repairs at Wimborne Road's junction with The Broadway and East Howe Lane were completed in January but potholes remained just yards from the new crossings.

The latest set of works will be undertaken in two phases.

During the first phase, The Broadway/East Howe Lane traffic signal junction will be turned off and the junction will be closed to vehicles entering or exiting from The Broadway or East Howe Lane.

Meanwhile during the second phase, Horsham Avenue will be closed at its junction with Wimborne Road.

Kinson Grove will be closed at its eastern end during phase one and its western end during phase two. Access will be available from the other end at all times.

Access will be maintained via diversion routes to Kitscroft Road, Graycot Close and the Conservative Club.

Bus services travelling eastbound will run as normal, subject to some stop closures or relocation.