MOTORISTS will see a “major” change in the road layout on the A338 Spur Road on Monday as the second phase of work starts.

A dedicated lane for drivers planning to exit the southbound carriageway at Blackwater Junction will be in place, with a separate lane for those continuing on the A338 to Bournemouth.

The new layout will be implemented following a weekend of overnight works.

The Spur Road will be fully closed in both directions between 8pm and 6am on Saturday and Sunday.

On Monday two lanes will be available southbound heading towards Blackwater Junction. Signage will be in place telling drivers to ‘get in lane’ for either the B3073 / Airport or the A338 to Bournemouth. Then after Blackwater Junction, all other motorists will use a single lane, heading past the roadworks.

A spokesperson for Bournemouth council told the Daily Echo: “Over the weekend there are going to be major changes to the A338 road layout as we finish the first phase of work. We’re starting the second phase a bit earlier than scheduled as we’re about a week ahead."

Gary Powell, head of highways and transportation at Bournemouth council and the senior responsible officer for the A338 works, said: “A significant amount of work has been carried out over the last six weeks to widen the central reservation, erect a new barrier and join together the two bridges that carry the road over the River Stour and we are pleased this has all been completed a little ahead of schedule.

“From Monday, new lane layouts will be in place and we hope that once motorists are used to these changes there will be some improvement to journey times, including travelling during peak hours.

“We appreciate that these works are having an impact on everyone’s lives and we are doing everything we can to ensure the works are carried out effectively and remain to programme. We are still on schedule to reopen all four lanes on the A338 by 10 December ahead of the Christmas period.”

Phase two of the multimillion pound scheme at Blackwater junction includes the widening of the southbound carriageway into the verge, new concrete jackets to protect the bridge piers and a new parapet rail installed to protect vehicles over the River Stour Bridge.

In order to widen the road adjacent to the B3073 overbridge, the current protection to the bridge piers will be removed and replaced with new concrete jackets. These will then be tied together with reinforcing steel, which is a slow and labour intensive process according to the council.

The vehicle protection over the River Stour Bridge will also be removed and a new parapet rail installed. Works to strengthen the edge of the bridge will take place to ensure the bridge is strong enough to take the new rail.

In addition, new drainage and safety barriers will be installed on the widened embankment. The widened embankment will have steep slopes so it will be reinforced with a geotextile plastic grid to ensure its stability. This work will be carried out at the same time as the bridge works.

Due to work at the bridge, the lane closure will be extended back up to Avon Causeway bridge.

Police will also be returning with speed camera vans to enforce the temporary 40mph speed limit.