MAJOR roadworks lasting nearly three months are planned for both carriageways of the A31 between Lake Gates and Canford Bottom.

National Highways will carry over overnight closures on the A31 through the Wimborne area of east Dorset for proposed works to begin in January.

The work between Lake Gates and Canford Bottom roundabout is scheduled to begin on January 9 and continue until March 31.

Read more: A338 Wessex Way lane closures and speed limit drop for works

Work will stop briefly in February, a spokesperson for National Highways confirmed.

The agency said the work is needed as the existing safety barrier is old and "severely corroded".

"It requires updating in order to meet the standards of safety to the road signs and bridge structures.

"The scheme also involves replacing signs so they are mounted onto passively safe posts."

Traffic affected by the closures would be diverted using the A35, A341, A348, A349, A350, and B3073. The diversion in operation would vary according to the closure in force.

Read more: Installing A338 Wessex Way crossovers will cost £250,000

In the second phase of works, a heavy goods vehicle provision would be made via the A349, Lockyers Road, B3074 and A349 in either direction.

The temporary closures and diversion signs would be clearly indicated by traffic signs when they are in operation during the works period.

Full details:

Lake Gates RA to Merley RA

  • Dates approved for January 9-28, excluding 23 and 24 January.
  • First cone 8pm, full closure 9pm-6am.

Merley RA to Canford Bottom RA

  • Dates approved for mid-Feb to end of March.
  • First cone 8pm, full closure 9pm-6am.