MOTORISTS face further traffic misery at Canford Bottom because roadworks have been delayed by bad weather.

The east side of the roundabout was due to be open from today but work is now due to continue there as well as on other parts of the roundabout.

Diversions are in place and road users have been warned to leave extra time for their journeys while closures are in place. The Highways Agency hopes all roads will re-open from midnight on Friday, March 23 as planned.

For the past three weeks all four local roads have been closed where they join the roundabout. Weather permitting, the exit and entry points on the east side of the roundabout, to Ham Lane and Wimborne Road West (Ferndown side), will re-open on Sunday, March 11.

Access to many of the affected roads is restricted and drivers have been advised to avoid the area if possible.

The west side of the roundabout and the exit and entry points to Canford Bottom/Middlehill Road and Wimborne Road West (Wimborne side) will remain closed 24 hours a day.

The final phase of the work will begin on Sunday with the A31 between the Merley and Ameysford roundabouts open during the day but closed at night between 8.30pm and 6am Monday to Thursday nights and 11pm to 6am on Friday nights.

The Highways Agency stressed motorists should take safety precautions at roadworks, including driving within the speed limit, concentrating on the road, not the signs, and being alert to works’ traffic.