TRAFFIC could face disruption in Christchurch until spring due to works on a busy town centre route.

The work to replace cables and resurface the road surface in Bridge Street is being carried out by three different agencies – BT, Southern Electric and Dorset County Council.

It is due to be completed by March 1 despite Dorset County Council’s website stating the work will continue until March 27 (as of Friday, January 9).

The date of March 1 has been set provisionally as the work is weather dependent, meaning the date may change.

The road closures will be phased so that access is available over one bridge or the other to Rossiters Quay.

A spokesperson for Dorset County Council said: “The essential work on Bridge Street sees utilities companies and highways teams working together to reduce the amount of disruption for local residents.

“BT will replace and re-route ducts with two one day closures at the beginning and the end of the work.

“SSE will be working on changing and redirecting cables. They will then use the second one-day road closure to complete these works.

“Most of the work will be carried out with two-way traffic lights, to provide access for residents and businesses.”

Highways engineers will also be replacing a pelican crossing, improving drainage and working on bus stops during this time. A day-time closure is for waterproofing and resurfacing work.

Cllr Nick Geary, portfolio holder for transportation at Christchurch council, said: “I am hoping the work can be finished before March 1, if everything goes according to plan.

“The work which started last week [January 5] hasn’t caused any problems so far, and I hope that continues to be the case. We will be monitoring the situation carefully.”

Cllr Peter Hall said: "We are aware of the frustrations that the temporary repairs have caused local residents and businesses in recent times.

“I am pleased that we have put together a programme of works that mean that all the works can be done together.”