MOTORISTS in Christchurch can expect long delays after the council announced a major route will be closed for six weeks.

The A337 Highcliffe Road will only operate one-way towards Highcliffe from Monday, April 13, to allow Dorset County Council engineers to replace the covering of the culvert that runs under the road.

During the closure there will be a signed diversion route directing drivers along Bure Lane and The Runway back onto Highcliffe Road.

Temporary lights will be placed at the junction in a bid to manage traffic flow. There will be no access to Highcliffe Road from Bure Lane.

Andrew Martin, Dorset County Council’s head of highways, said: “We are sorry that this will cause disruption for local residents and drivers. We expect Bure Lane to be very busy and we will try to minimise its affects.

“The replacement of the culvert cover is planned maintenance and is essential to keep our roads in good condition.”

Cllr Lesley Dedman, ward councillor for Highcliffe, said: “To me six weeks does seem excessive.

“I am having a dialogue with the council officers to try to minimise any disruption. It is a very busy road, but if it needs to be done then it needs to be done.”

Malcolm Mawbey, of the Highcliffe Centre Partnership, said he did not believe the closure would have much impact on shopping in the area and the main problems would likely be delays on Bure Lane.

He added: “What may happen is that rat runs will develop which will take traffic away from Highcliffe.”

This latest work comes after Bridge Street and Castle Street in Christchurch endured road closures and temporary traffic signals during February whilst they underwent waterproofing and resurfacing.