DRIVERS are bracing themselves for significant delays when the complete weekend closure of the busy Bakers Arms roundabout comes into force this evening.

Engineers will shut down the roundabout on the A35, one of the busiest routes in and out of Poole, from 7pm tonight until 6am Monday morning.

Motorists have been warned to expect delays and, wherever possible, plan alternative routes. There will be full signposted diversions in place throughout the weekend The closure is part of County Hall’s ongoing work to upgrade the carriageway, drainage and to install cycle lanes.

Dorset County Council (DCC) environment spokesman Cllr Hilary Cox said: “We recognise that this closure will cause some difficulties for people locally. But the road surface is in a bad way and will not survive another winter.

“During the weekend the team will remove and replace more than 2,800 tonnes of material, with all the old material being recycled for use in other projects.”

DCC say workers will be putting in triple shifts over the weekend, and that the finished roundabout surface should last for another 20 years.

Lytchett ward county councillor Fred Drane, who voiced concerns earlier this year when the full weekend closure was first announced, conceded: “Having spoken to the officers in charge of the project I am confident it has been planned in the best, most practical way possible.

“There will be delays for motorists over that weekend, so I would urge people to plan their route and allow more time for their journeys.”

  • The diversion route from the east of the county: use the A35 to A350 junction, then follow the A350 to the A31 roundabout, then take the A31 to Bere Regis. To Wareham/Swanage from Bere Regis traffic will be able to use the A35 to Morden Park Corner and the B3075.

The diversion route from the west of the county: take the A31 to A350 junction, then follow the A350 to the A35 junction and join the A35. To Wareham/Swanage from Bere Regis traffic will be able to use the A35 to Morden Park Corner and use the B3075.

GAS MAINS SERVICING

SWANAGE’S Victoria Avenue will close to traffic for up to two months from Monday.

The closure is to enable Southern Gas Networks to replace gas mains and services. A signposted diversion, along High Street West and Rempstone Road will be in place.