TRAFFIC chaos is expected this week as resurfacing work gets under way on one of Poole’s busiest roads.

Poole Road in Branksome will be closed to through traffic between the County Gates roundabout and Pottery Junction at John Lewis from Tuesday until Friday.

Teams will work round-the-clock in a bid to minimise disruption for residents and motorists. But delays are inevitable with a number of diversions being put in place.

BCP Council says the work will improve safety, reduce noise and protect against potholes. Refuse collections will not be affected.

The work will be carried out in a series of phased road closures with no access for through traffic for the duration of the project.

Different diversions will be put in place for local traffic for each phase of the works. If weather conditions are poor, the works will be moved to December 1-4.

Councillor Mike Greene, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability at BCP Council, said: “We understand the frustrations that such works can cause and for this reason we have put in place an accelerated programme that minimises disruption. We apologise for the inconvenience but we are excited to continue to invest in infrastructure that will benefit local residents, commuters and visitors for many years to come.”

The first phase, from 7am tomorrow, will cover Bourne Valley Road to St Aldhelm’s Road for a 24-hour period. Diversion: County Gates Gyratory, Lindsay Road, St Aldhelm’s Road, Poole Road. Local diversions will be available for residents via Eagle Road and Princess Road.

Phase two will cover St Aldhelm’s Road to Cromer Road from 7am, Wednesday November 25 to 6am, Thursday November 26. Diversion: County Gates Gyratory, Lindsay Road, Leicester Road, Penn Hill Avenue, St Osmunds Road, Bournemouth Road.

Phase three will be from Cromer Road to Branksome Parade from 7am, Thursday November 26 to 6am, Friday November 27. Diversion: Bournemouth Road, St Osmunds Road, Penn Hill Avenue, Leicester Road, Lindsay Road, County Gates Gyratory. Additional temporary diversions may be required during the same works period to adjust traffic signals at Bourne Valley Road (off-peak hours).