MOTORISTS are again bracing themselves for traffic jams as a key commuter road into Bournemouth is dug up for the third time in six months.

And traders in Boscombe say the area is set to come to a “grinding halt” for weeks, severely affecting trade during the summer season.

Following major gas works and the creation of a bus lane, Christchurch Road, Boscombe, is now in line for a road improvement scheme.

The works, which include widening and upgrading a section of road and installing traffic lights, will begin today and last until September.

Traffic will be prevented from accessing Christchurch Road from Manor Road, Knyveton Road, Knole Road and Boscombe Spa Road at various times.

The Manor Road and Knyveton Road junctions will be affected from May until August while Knole Road and Boscombe Spa Road will be closed for about a week.

A section of Christchurch Road opposite Boscombe Gardens will be widened to allow for the creation of new cycle lanes and bus lay-bys.

New traffic lights and crossing facilities will be installed at Boscombe Spa Road and controlled crossing facilities will be installed at the junction of Manor Road and Knyveton Road.

Mike Holmes, Bournemouth council’s service director for planning and transport, said the council would make it a priority to maintain two-way traffic flow at peak periods.

Mr Holmes said: “This project has been specifically designed to reduce accidents and traffic delays on one of Boscombe’s heavily used roads. All road users, whether on foot, driving or cycling, will benefit from the finished outcome.”

Steve Kent, chairman of Boscombe Traders’ Association, said: “Roadworks like that cripple trading in local areas. On top of that the Gas Board are digging up the north side of Christchurch Road from McDonalds through to the Crescent.

“The whole of Boscombe could be coming to a very tight grinding halt for a week.

“The works have got to be done – especially the gas works. I just hope the council and gas board get everything done very quickly.”

Hotelier Debbie Payne, director of the Boscombe Spa Resort Ltd, said: “Even now it’s a bit of a nightmare for guests. It has been taking them half an hour and three quarters of an hour to get to us from the Wessex Way.

“I just think Boscombe is going to come to a standstill.

“When it’s finished it will be great. It’s just a shame they can’t co-ordinate roadworks properly.

“Why are all these things done just as we are coming into the summer season?”