MOTORISTS are set to experience more than two weeks of travel disruption during the Easter school holidays as highway improvements progress on a main road in Bournemouth.

The next stage of BCP Council's project in Wallisdown Road is due to begin on Saturday, April 4.

The road is expected to be closed in both directions for two and half weeks from Boundary Roundabout to Fern Barrow.

While pedestrians and cyclists will still be able to access Wallisdown Road, motorists will be diverted via Boundary Road, Columbia Road and Kinson Road, with additional parking restrictions in place to facilitate traffic flow.

The closure is set to allow engineers to carry out a full depth reconstruction of the existing road, which is reportedly approaching the end of its useable lifespan.

Councillor Vikki Slade, leader of BCP Council, said: “The closure of Wallisdown Road is an important next step in delivering our wider vision for the area. We aim to complete these essential works as quickly as possible and have identified the Easter holidays as the most optimal time in order to minimise the impact on residents, local businesses, schools, the Universities and commuters.

“We appreciate this will lead to some short-term disruption, however if we were to keep the carriageway even partially open this would result in a significantly longer works programme.

"By also utilising a more time efficient method of construction, we will be able to reduce carbon emissions by 30 per cent compared to other more traditional methods.

“We encourage people to allow extra time for their journeys and to pay close attention to signage. We also suggest walking, taking public transport or making the most of our Beryl Bikes cycling incentive.’’

In advance of the road closure, the council said it is working closely with bus companies to ensure they continue to efficiently operate in the area. Both Yellow Buses and Morebus will be making alterations to their routes. Further information is due to be released on their websites and social media.

Work is ongoing on creating a new shared cycleway and footpath on the south side of Wallisdown Road between Talbot Drive and University Roundabout.

Throughout the first few weeks of April, BCP Council and bike hire scheme operator Beryl have teamed up to offer a 50 per cent discount on all minute riding bundles.

The discount code WALLISDOWN50 can be used on the Beryl Bikes app and will be active from 1 April to 19 April. The offer is only available for the first 1,000 redemptions, with Beryl Bikes being available for hire across Bournemouth and Poole.