TRAVEL disruption will be brought to parts of Bournemouth and Christchurch this week with the closure of a bridge. 

Tuckton Bridge, over the River Stour and linking Southbourne and Christchurch, will be shut for five consecutive evenings from tonight, March 18. 

It will be closed to traffic between 8pm and 12.30am until Saturday, March 23 while the work is carried out. 

Drainage systems, vegetation and weeds will be removed as part of the work while workmen will be jet washing the parapets. 

Meanwhile an inspection of the external face of the bridge using a specialist access vehicle will also be carried out. 

During the five days, all traffic can follow a signed diversion route via Belle Vue Road, Southbourne Grove, Seabourne Road, the A35 Christchurch Road, the A35 Barrack Road and Stour Road. 

Cllr Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for the environment and energy, said: “This essential maintenance work on Tuckton Bridge is important as we seek to ensure its continued longevity. 

“We carry out regular assessments, cleaning and inspections of all our bridges across the conurbation at set periods with their functionality and safety paramount. 

“As always with this type of maintenance, there is always likely to be a level of disruption, but we endeavour to minimise this for both motorists and pedestrians as best we can by scheduling this outside of the busiest periods. 

“We ask everyone to bear with us as we seek to complete this work in full and on time. We also advise motorists to leave a bit more time for any planned journey’s this week.”