The next set of roadworks at Upton Bypass start tomorrow – with drivers warned they could face tailbacks of several miles and delays of up to an hour if they do not change their route.

Five weeks of work will be carried out to strengthen Policeman’s Lane Bridge, which will mean the closure of the inside lane of the westbound carriageway and Dorset County Council is urging drivers to use other roads.

“We are carrying out this work at a time of year when the daily average number of cars using the road is at its lowest, but we know it will still have a large impact on people’s daily journeys,” said Cllr Peter Finney, county council cabinet member for highways and transportation.

“Drivers should try to understand that this work is for their benefit – the road needs to be maintained so that it can continue to be used by the thousands of vehicles that use it every day,” he said.

The latest lane closure will allow work to strengthen bridge support columns and carry out surfacing work, barrier repairs, drain cleaning and verge clearance.

The closeness of the bridge support columns to the edge of the road means the only way to carry out the work safely is to close a lane, says the council.

Their suggested diversion for motorists wishing to avoid the congestion is the A349 Gravel Hill up to the Merley roundabout and onto the A31.

What to expect:

Phase 2a – westbound works (towards Dorchester)
Jan 14: Five weeks of work to strengthen Policeman’s Lane Bridge westbound support columns and replace the safety barrier in front of the columns.
Jan 14-Feb 15: Nearside lane closed, with all traffic in the outside lane at 40mph, for tree maintenance, drainage work and barrier repairs.

Phase 2b – central works
Feb 18-Mar 22: Five weeks of work to strengthen Policeman’s Lane Bridge central support columns.
Feb 18-Mar 15: Eastbound and westbound fast lanes closed for repairs to central reservation and some drainage works.
Mar 11-22: Westbound night-time closure for surfacing works.