HIGHWAYS bosses have apologised to drivers caught in major tailbacks on the A338 yesterday morning.

Drivers were caught for more than an hour in queues on the Spur Road and A31 as a result of the works by Dorset County Council.

As well as major congestion on the Spur Road, there were also delays on Matchams Lane and Hurn Lane as motorists attempted to find a way round the jams.

One lane was closed on the southbound carriageway of the A338 between Ashley Heath Roundabout and Blackwater Junction, while a section of barrier between Hurn Road bridge and the pumping station is extended and part of the verge is landscaped to reduce the gradient.

Work also started on the A35 Upton Bypass yesterday.

But many motorists complained they were unaware of the works on the A338- with Dorset County Council forced to apologise for not putting out advance warning signs.

Richard Colby, team leader for highway improvements, said: "Unfortunately, due to considerable pressures on our traffic management team and a number of major highway schemes starting on site in Dorset this week, the advance warning signs for this work were not put in place at the time requested and drivers were not given the advance warning that we usually provide.

"We apologise for this and to those drivers who were inconvenienced as a result.

"We will make every effort to complete the work as quickly as we can."

It is hoped the work will be finished by Thursday.