Published on Friday 06 September 2019
A series of overnight closures are required as part of the next phase of constructing a new and more efficient B3073 Blackwater West Junction.
The closures are part of the nine month scheme, which aims to improve the on and off slips to the A338, improve cycle and footpath facilities on the B3073 and increase junction capacity by widening the road on both sides to create an additional lane. Works are due to be completed in Spring 2020.
To minimise disruption, the upcoming closures will take place between 8pm and 6am on week nights only. They include:
- Overnight closure of Blackwater West Junction, including the on and off slips, on Tuesday 10 September.
- From Wednesday 11 to Friday 13 September the Blackwater West on slip will be closed with one lane remaining open on the off slip. The B3073 will also be closed in both directions from Hurn roundabout to Blackwater West junction.
- On Monday 16 and Tuesday 17 September, there will be a full closure of Blackwater West Junction on slip with one lane open on the off slip. The B3073 will again be closed in both directions from Hurn roundabout to Blackwater East junction.
- From Wednesday 18 to Friday 20 September, there will be a full closure of the Blackwater West Junction to include all on and off-slips. The B3073 will be closed in both directions.
- From Monday 23 to Friday 27 September, there will be a full closure of Blackwater West Junction, including the on and off slips. The B3073 will be closed in both directions.
These closures will enable preparatory works for the installation of new traffic lights, kerb installation, road widening and surfacing works. Where possible one lane will be kept open on the Blackwater West off slip.
Councillor Andy Hadley, Cabinet Member for Transport and Infrastructure, BCP Council, said: "Whilst these works will be taking place overnight to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum, drivers should try to plan ahead if they can, allowing extra time for journeys and find alternative routes. All diversions will be signposted. We thank road users for their patience during these major improvements."
The B3073 Blackwater West improvement scheme is the latest 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 BIG Programme is 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.
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.