MOTORISTS have been warned to expect delays when a £170,000 resurfacing project starts on Herbert Avenue in Poole today.

Borough of Poole contractors will be closing the eastbound carriageway of Herbert Avenue, between Arne Avenue and Alder Road, for four days from Tuesday while the engineering work takes place.

Council engineering manager John Rice said: "We recognise that the work will cause some unavoidable disruption to road users and would ask motorists to allow extra time for their journeys. We would like to thank everyone for their patience.

"This section of road was already in a poor condition and has been further damaged by the recent severe weather causing more potholes to form.

"We resurfaced another section of Herbert Avenue between Ringwood Road and Arne Avenue and are now completing the resurfacing work."

A 24-hour road diversion, via the Mountbatten roundabout, Wallisdown Road and Alder Road, will be implemented while the work continues.

The junctions of Arne Avenue, Newlyn Way and Northmere Road will also be closed.

Borough of Poole says vehicles will be barred from turning right out of Rossmore Road into Herbert Avenue in the interests of public safety.

However, access to the leisure centre, day care and library on the St Aldhelm's Academy site will be unaffected and local businesses will open as usual, insists the council.

Mr Rice said: "Herbert Avenue is a busy road but we've planned this work to take place during the school half term holidays, when there is generally less traffic.

"We have decided not to carry out night time working or 24-hour working at this time as this would cause unacceptable disturbance to local residents."

Work is scheduled between 7am-7.30pm daily, from Tuesday, May 26, until Friday, May 29