A MAJOR road improvement scheme on a busy commuter route has been delayed due to supply issues, while incorrect signs in the area caused confusion for motorists.

The work at Hurn roundabout was due to begin today, however it has been delayed by a week.

Engineers are set to be working in the area until mid-September to deliver the council project.

Signage warning road users of the impending work put in place on Thursday said road closures would be in operation throughout the 20-week scheme, however this is not the case.

The authority confirmed roads will only be closed overnight for two to three nights towards the end of the scheme.

A Dorset County Council spokesperson said: “The start of the Hurn roundabout improvement scheme has been delayed by one week due to resource and material supply issues.”

St Catherine’s & Hurn ward councillor Margaret Phipps said she was contacted by a number of residents concerned about the signs claiming the road was closed for 20 weeks. She confirmed a mistake had been made.

Cllr Phipps said she expects the scheme will alleviate congestion.

“This is the only option that is available,” she said.

“It is going to make it a bit better, but I’m not sure what else could be done.”

The delay and signage error are the latest blows to hit the scheme.

Last month the council had to announce the project had been scaled back due to land acquisition issues. The revised design for the works utilises the existing road structure.

Carriageway excavations will start Tuesday, May 29, with the removal of the three splitter islands adjacent to the roundabout, and narrow lanes will be in place from that time. The one-way section of Hurn Court Lane will be closed for the duration of the works.

Stop and go boards will be used for pedestrians and cyclists for short durations and all works affecting traffic will be restricted to outside of peak hours. There are no plans for Saturday working.

The scheme includes maintenance of the footbridge over the River Moors and pedestrians will be routed across the river via a temporary bridge alongside the existing bridge.