MOTORING misery is set to return to Bournemouth next week when major roadworks get underway at one of the town’s busiest junctions.

Set to take four months, the scheme will see the repair and reconstruction of roads at the junction of Charminster Road, Alma Road and Richmond Park Road in Charminster.

All kerbs will be replaced, pavements will be resurfaced, traffic lights upgraded and a new pedestrian crossing installed during the project, which begins on Monday.

Road safety for cyclists will also be improved with the installation of Advanced Stop Lines on all approaches to the junction.

Bournemouth council has pledged to keep disruption to a minimum and the work has been timed to avoid disruption to traders in the area during the Christmas period.

Temporary traffic signals will be in place from Monday with a diversion for eastbound traffic on Alma Road, via Heron Court Road. Bus services in the same direction will be diverted via Kings Road.

“This is a large scheme and we are aiming to do it in the best possible way for local residents and businesses” said Cllr Michael Filer, cabinet member for environment and transport.

"The aim is to bring our roads and pavements up to the standard expected. Teams have been working across the borough to repair potholes, carry out necessary structural works, as well as resurface and refresh road markings across the town.”

Chairman of Charminster Traders Association Lesley Stephenson said: “I would like to thank the council for programming these works so they did not impact on our busiest trading season – these are much-needed improvement works.”

Last year vehicle drivers endured delays during a number of road schemes across the borough.

They included Holdenhurst Road, Boscombe and the Wessex Way.