As part of the continuing A338 and Blackwater improvement scheme works, advanced vegetation and tree clearance will be taking place this week around the west side of the Blackwater Junction.
From the week commencing Monday 4 February 2019, the vegetation clearance will take around six weeks to complete. It will enable the widening of the cycleway from the Blackwater East Junction along Christchurch Road to Hurn Court Lane, creating a safer space for cyclists. The clearances will also make way for the construction of a new and more efficient Blackwater West Junction due to start in Spring 2019.
The vegetation and tree clearance will take place in the area of the Blackwater West on-slip road, road widening and where the cycleway will be widened into the verge along Christchurch Road. Road users are advised that traffic management will be minimal. When traffic control is required Stop and Go Boards will be used outside of peak travel times. As part of the main scheme screening from the B3073 will also be put in place for local residents.
Gary Powell, Head of Highways and Transportation and the senior responsible officer for the A338 improvements, said: “These works are being undertaken to improve cycle links in the area and to prepare the way for a new and improved on-slip at Blackwater West Junction. Unfortunately, with this sort of work, some inconvenience may be caused. We will remain in close contact with residents and will ensure that any disruption is kept to a minimum.’’
These works form part of Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership’s Bournemouth International Growth (BIG) Programme.