MOTORISTS have been warned to expect delays when the latest stage of Poole's £11.7 million Townside roadworks start later this month.

BCP Council has confirmed a number of road closures are needed to "facilitate the next stage of delivering improved links for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users."

Poole Bridge will also close for its annual maintenance while the week-long works take place.

Work started in the Townside area in October, 2018, as part of a wider project to support the future expansion of the Port of Poole.

The latest road closures, scheduled for The Quay, West Quay Road and West Street, start on Monday, March 23, and are set to last seven days.

Poole Bridge will close to all vehicles, except bicycles, for the same period.

A BCP Council spokesman said: “We have an ambitious plan for revitalising the Townside area, which includes the provision of an improved cycling and pedestrian network.

"Once completed this will further contribute towards enhancing connectivity to the town centre, improving air quality and encouraging more reliable journey times.

"Timed to coincide with our routine works to Poole Bridge, we encourage you to plan ahead, allow extra time for your journeys and consider walking, cycling or utilising the local public transport network.’"

During the works West Street and West Quay Road will be closed between Bay Hog Lane and Poole Bridge. Road users travelling between Poole and Hamworthy will be redirected via Twin Sails Bridge, which will be operating on a revised lifting schedule with fewer lifts taking place during the day.

Poole Bridge will be closed from 6am on Monday, March 23, until 6am on Monday, March 30.

Throughout the entirety of the works, access for both pedestrians and cyclists over Poole Bridge and through the Townside area will be maintained, says the council.

Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership secured £23.3 million through the government’s Local Growth Fund to invest into four major transport schemes to improve access into and around the Port of Poole.

It is hoped this initiative will help boost economic growth and bring an anticipated £500 million of private investment into the area, as well as creating up to 1,500 new jobs and 3,000 new homes.

Visit: bcpcouncil.gov.uk/townsideandhungerhill for further information.