ONE of the most congested roads of the conurbation will have a lane closure next week. 

A collapsed sewer pipe underneath Ringwood Road in Poole will be replaced with a temporary pipe ready by Wessex Water. 

The firm said by replacing the pipe now, it will avoid worse traffic when the major road upgrade happens next year. 

Wessex Water will install the temporary pipe in the pavement from Herbert Avenue outside Horizon Honda Poole round to the point of the collapse in Ringwood Road on, Monday November 4. 

The work will require a one-day lane closure in Herbert Avenue in the direction of Ringwood Road. 

A Wessex Water spokesman said: “Due to other roadworks taking place nearby, we have opted to install a temporary sewer pipe rather than complete the full repair straight away, which will require a southbound closure on a section of Ringwood Road. 

“This will avoid worsening traffic in the area while the other roadworks are completed, especially in the run-up to Christmas.  

“We will liaise with BCP Council to agree a date for the sewer repair to begin and ensure that any associated traffic management measures are well-publicised. 

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused.” 

The £17.5million work in Ringwood Road is “needed as it is currently operating at maximum traffic capacity”, BCP Council said. 

The plans include two new bus lanes, 23 side road junction improvements, the reconstruction of the Sea View Road junction and 19 upgraded bus stop shelters. 

It will also see 4.5km of road resurfacing, along with 1.8km of improved pavements and a new 2.7km two-way cycle lane. 

New and improved toucan, zebra and parallel crossings will be installed, too.