17 July 2019 Overnight road closures support Blackwater West junction improvements
As part of the initial phase of constructing a new and more efficient B3073 Blackwater West Junction, a series of overnight lane closures will be in place to install temporary traffic signals
From Monday 15 July the permanent signals will be switched off and replaced with a temporary signal system, similar to those used during the Blackwater East Junction works which helped minimise the impact of the works on those travelling via the B3073.
This will involve installing the new power supplies and road crossing before removing the existing power supplies. Once the temporary lights are in place the old signals, poles, cables and existing traffic islands will be removed and reinstated with asphalt to move the traffic lanes to their new position. This will be followed by new line markings and installation of temporary barriers.
In addition two gas main road crossings will be installed, one across the A338 on slip and the other on the B3073.
To install the temporary signal system and carry out this work, Blackwater West junction and the A338 slip roads will be closed on Monday 15 July from 8pm to 6am for up to 7 nights therefore avoiding regular traffic restrictions at peak times.
Cllr Andy Hadley, Cabinet member for Transport and Infrastructure, BCP Council, said: “This latest scheme in the BIG Programme will widen the existing junction on all sides to allow for additional capacity and improved traffic signals as well as improved pedestrian and cycling facilities.
“We would advise motorists to plan their journeys whilst these overnight closures are in place to minimise disruption and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.’’
During the week of night closures, remedial works will also be carried out at Hurn Roundabout.
From 18 July for two nights, kerbing and surfacing works will be carried out at Hurn Roundabout with three-way temporary traffic lights in place at the Matchams Lane/Avon Causeway Junction. There will be some noise due to the nature of this work but every endeavour will be made to keep disruption to a minimum.
The Blackwater West Signal Improvements are scheduled to last until Spring 2020 with the work having no impact on the main Spur Road. The improvements form part of the £45.2million investment in Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership’s Bournemouth International Growth (BIG) Programme, aimed at facilitating better access into and around Bournemouth Airport, unlocking employment land and stimulating economic growth.