MOTORISTS are set to face more delays and disruption as roadworks begin at one of Bournemouth’s busiest intersections.

For two weeks during the four-week scheme, lane closures will be in place at Cemetery Junction while work to replace the traffic lights is carried out.

Bournemouth Borough Council says there will be inevitable delays and has recommended drivers take alternative routes.

The “essential” works, aimed at improving road safety, will include an upgrade of the traffic lights to new, brighter Helios LED equipment and replacement of the traffic light poles.

The control equipment will also be replaced and upgraded.

Council officials said the works would increase efficiency and responsiveness to traffic conditions as well as reduce the need for future maintenance in this area.

The four-week programme will begin on Monday although the number of traffic lanes will be reduced with temporary four-way traffic signals for two weeks starting on January 28.

Ian Kalra, the council’s transportation services manager, said: “We have given careful consideration to the planning and coordination of this work, in order to keep disruption to a minimum.

“We apologise in advance for the inevitable delays and disruption and recommend that as far as possible drivers plan to take alternative routes.”

Once the traffic signals have been switched back on, the contractor will move to the Wellington Road roundabout to make safety improvements.

These works will be carried out at off-peak times in order to help reduce disruption.

The works are scheduled to be completed by February 26.

Lesley Stephenson, chairman of Charminster Traders Association, said: “Obviously the roadworks will have some impact but it’s only for a short time and I don’t think it is going to be bad enough for people to deter and change their route.

“Charminster is primarily independent traders who offer specific items like ourselves. We had six months of roadworks last year where regular customers still made the effort to come here and the only thing we missed was a bit of passing trade.”

She added: “It is never easy for the council to do roadworks but we tend to find as long as people know the details they can make plans rather than get angry.”