Published on Wednesday 17 July 2019
The B3073 Blackwater West Signal Improvements is the latest scheme to benefit from £45.2 million investment in the county’s transport infrastructure as part of Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP)’s Bournemouth International Growth (BIG) Programme.
The scheme is part of the BIG Programme funded through Dorset LEP secured Dorset Growth Deal* aimed at facilitating better access into and around Bournemouth Airport as well as unlocking employment land and stimulating economic growth.
The nine month long scheme aims to:
- Improve the on and off slips to the A338
- Improve cycle and footpath facilities on the B3073
- Increase junction capacity by widening the road on both sides to create an additional lane
- Ease congestion
- Better traffic flow
- Increase journey time reliability
- Improve connectivity
Minister for Local Growth, Jake Berry, MP said: "We’re committed to boosting economic growth across the whole of the UK and building a Britain fit for the future.
"The signal improvements to the B3073 Blackwater West, part of the £45.2 million of Local Growth Fund investment in Dorset’s transport network, will improve cycle and footpaths, ease congestion and improve journeys for all road users in the area. I’m pleased to see work on this project begin as, once completed, it will benefit Dorset’s wider economy and business community."
Jim Stewart, Chair of Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership said: "The BIG Programme continues to make excellent progress – the start of these works at Blackwater West marks another important milestone and forms a key part of a series of economy-building upgrades along the busy B3073 corridor that will create better journeys, particularly for local businesses around Bournemouth Airport and Aviation Business Park."
Phase one started on Monday 1 July 2019 and involves structural works on the embankment of the south west area to enable the carriageway to be widened.
A series of night closures are taking place from Monday 15 July from 8pm to 6am Monday to Sunday to install temporary traffic lights and reconfigure the existing traffic lanes. Most of the improvement work will be carried out off the main road enabling motorists to continue using the existing number of lanes available, although delays are expected especially during peak hours. Further works will require some off peak restrictions and night closures.
Later phases of work include:
- Phase 2: south east area – structural works on the embankment will be carried out to allow for carriageway and footway widening. A new noise fence will be installed and landscaping works carried out
- Phase 3: north east area – a new A338 on-slip will be constructed on the north side of the electricity pylon. Work will also take place to widen the carriageway and footpath
- Phase 4: whole junction – new islands and traffic signals will be installed. The whole junction will be resurfaced at the end of the scheme
There will be no work on the main A338 Bournemouth Spur Road. The use of advanced temporary traffic signals will keep disruption to a minimum, as they will mimic the existing layout.
Cllr Andy Hadley, Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure, BCP Council, said: "We appreciate these works will cause delays. There is never a good time to carry out these changes but it does need to be done. These improvements are essential to ensure the A338/B3073 intersection is fit for purpose and supports anticipated economic growth in the area."
"Drivers should try to plan ahead if they can, allowing extra time for journeys, finding alternative routes or travelling during off peak periods when delays will be minimal."
The B3073 Blackwater West Signal Improvements are scheduled to last until Spring 2020. Road users are advised to sign up to the A338 travel blog to stay up to date with road news or check @TravelDorset on twitter for updates.