The impact of roadworks at the A35 Christchurch Bypass

Motorists and business owners have hit out at ongoing works to repair a damaged sewer pipe on the busy road.

The repairs by Wessex Water have seen the right-hand lanes on each carriageway shut between the Purewell Cross and Fountain roundabout, causing chaos for drivers heading into Christchurch.

They are set to continue for several more weeks.

• Read more: Roadworks at A35 Christchurch Bypass could take weeks

Sue Withers, Christchurch BID board director and Bargates business owner, said the timing of the works were “hugely unfortunate”, and suggested the works will see businesses “suffer” in the run up to Christmas.

She said: “I am more than aware that yet again Christchurch is blighted by roadworks and traffic mayhem.

“Each time work takes place in the area, it affects the entire town. The businesses suffer, the workers suffer, our customers suffer.

Repairs by Wessex Water (Image: Wessex Water)

"I've witnessed drivers shouting at each other, and constant horn beeping. It can take an hour to get from one side of Christchurch to the other.

“It's frustrating for everyone and is not an invite to visit our beautiful town.

“Businesses are constantly being told by customers that they are avoiding Christchurch altogether.”

The works along the bypass have also heavily impacted bus services in the area, with MoreBus having to withdraw its 1 and 1b services from the top end of Stour Road and Bargates as a result of heavy delays.

• Read more: A35 Christchurch Bypass to go down to two lanes for roadworks

Richard Wade, Morebus general manager, said: “We are aware the reason for the road closure relates to an emergency water repair.

"It has caused an awful lot of additional traffic congestion and severely impacted on our service reliability on all routes serving Christchurch.

“Services are still operating as normal in the direction of Tuckton Bridge and Bournemouth. We apologise to customers inconvenienced by delays and diversions.”

The Christchurch Bid said that ahead of any future works, they would like to be “more involved” in consultation and planning with the utility companies and BCP Council.

Sue Withers said: "Being so involved within the town, we can offer our thoughts and solutions from a local perspective.

"Many of the road workers and officials are from outside the area and don't understand traffic flow and bottlenecks like we do.”