WORK got under way yesterday as part of a major scheme to rebuild Blackwater junction off the A338 Spur Road.

Engineers from BCP Council are carrying out the nine-month project to increase the capacity of the junction on the Hurn side of the B3073. The work is due to be completed in spring 2020.

A temporary 30mph speed limit will be in place from Hurn roundabout to Blackwater Junction and on both the on and off slip roads of the northbound carriageway of the A338 at Blackwater. Night work between 8pm and 6am will take place from Monday, July 15, until Saturday, July 20.

There will be road closures so traffic lights and traffic islands can be removed and the existing road markings erased. Temporary traffic lights will be installed.

Once the project is complete, a realigned on-slip road to the A338 will be created. Additional lanes will also be created on Christchurch Road in both directions, with the aim of improving traffic flow.