PLANS for 12 weeks of roadworks on the A35 near Christchurch have been branded “utter madness” for being carried out at the same time as the Spur Road works.
The gas network upgrade at Hinton begins on Monday, closing one slip-lane of the hugely busy route, at the junction with Ringwood Road, likely to cause major disruption to road users.
Dorset County Cllr Peter Finney said: “We would prefer the works not to take place because it’s a major diversion route but sometimes these things have to be done.”
Christchurch Borough Cllr Lesley Dedman said: “It is utter madness.
“We’re running out of alternative routes. Christchurch is becoming an island besieged. To get out of Christchurch in any direction is an absolute nightmare. The cumulative effect - in terms of traffic - is what concerns me. I wish they could do it in the autumn. The roads are getting beyond usable.”
The works will mean there will be no access to or from Ringwood Road for motorists travelling to Walkford, Highcliffe, New Milton and Lymington.
There will also be no access for drivers heading from Lyndhurst who want to turn off towards Bransgore.
The council says "two way daytime traffic will be maintained east and westbound."
A number of signed diversions will also be put into place.
The road has seen a huge rise in traffic in recent months as motorists try to avoid the Spur Road using the A35 as an alternative route through the New Forest.
Contractor SGN failed to explain why the works could not be delayed until after the Spur Road is completed and were not able to confirm how long the works will last or at what times they will take place.
Run with approval from Hampshire County Council, the project will see £610,000 invested to replace old metallic gas mains with new plastic pipes with a minimum lifespan of 80 years, spokesman Chris Jacobs said.
Works are expected to be completed at Lyndhurst Road by March 4, and Ringwood Road by March 29.
“To ensure everyone’s safety we will be using traffic lights on Lyndhurst Road on two nights outside busy times,” Chris added.
“When this occurs depends on how the project progresses.”
Mr Jacobs added: “We are very sorry for any inconvenience caused and would like to reassure road users we will do everything we can to complete this work as quickly as possible.
"We’re acutely aware of the disruption caused by emergency roadworks so we’ve prioritised replacing this gas main to minimise future disruption.”
Council pledges to minimise disruption
COUNTY Cllr Seán Woodward claims the council is working closely with SGN, schools and bus companies to minimise disruption while the gas works proceed.
Signed diversions will be in place at the B3055 Bashley Cross Road, B3058 and the A337 Christchurch Road and Lymington Road during phase 1.
During these three weeks motorists will not be able to turn right to Bransgore from Lyndhurst or access Walkford via the Ringwood Road from the A35 or the A337.
A two-way system will remain in the day as work takes place overnight “at the quietest time”.
Transport cllr Woodward said they anticipate minimal disruption, adding: “Hampshire County Council is working with SGN and Dorset County Council to minimise disruption to people travelling on the A35 and surrounding area near Ringwood.”
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