MOTORISTS have been warned to expect delays when a five-week road improvement scheme from Ringwood to Bere Regis starts next week.

Engineers will shut one of the busiest sections of the A31 between the Roundhouse and Bere Regis roundabouts, overnight from Monday.

The resurfacing work, consisting of marking and cats-eyes replacement and kerb and drainage improvements, will result in overnight closures from 10pm until 5.30am.

Additional work to install vehicle-activated electronic signs will also take place along the affected stretch and further east towards Ringwood.

At Ringwood, radar units will be installed so traffic flows and driver behaviour can be monitored by transport chiefs. Data collected could be used to form a blueprint for future road improvements. During the overnight closures, which will affect both directions of the A31, diversions will be in place.

Highways Agency route performance manager Neil Andrew said: “This work has been carefully planned to minimise disruption. It will be carried out overnight when traffic flows are lowest.

“However, we would advise road users affected by these schemes to leave extra times for journeys.” Engineers will also install vehicle activated electronic signs along the route, which will eventually give safety and information messages to drivers. Mr Andrew said: “The improvements and resurfacing are part of our commitment for safer and more reliable journeys for road users. The vehicle-activated electronic signs will advise road users of traffic conditions up ahead, with a view to improving traffic flow and safety on this stretch of road and reducing the number of accidents.

While the A31 is closed, residents will be able to cross the highway at dedicated marshalling points. The A31 will close overnight Monday to Friday until the work is done.