Planned Roadworks W/C 19th October 2026

Drivers across Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and East Dorset face another busy week of roadworks, with overnight restrictions on the A338 and A31, local closures in Bournemouth and Poole, and continuing utility work around Verwood and Highcliffe.

Major routes

A338 Spur Road: Overnight closures are planned between Monday 19 and Friday 23 October, generally 8pm to 6am, while Dorset Council carries out essential highway maintenance. Drivers travelling between Bournemouth and the Ashley Heath area should check the signed restrictions and allow extra time, as the published decision does not specify which sections or directions will be closed on each night.

A31, Bere Regis to Roundhouse Roundabout: Both carriageways are scheduled to close for resurfacing on the nights of Monday 19 to Thursday 22 October, 9pm to 6am. The diversion runs via the A35 and A350, through Upton. The previous continuous weekend closure is due to finish at 6am on Monday 19 October.

A36, Bourne Way to Ower Roundabout: Overnight closures are listed for Tuesday 20 to Thursday 22 October, 8pm to 6am, for sign maintenance. Drivers using this route between the New Forest, Southampton and Dorset should follow the signed diversion via the A338 and A31.

Bournemouth and Christchurch

Talbot Road at Winton Banks: The westbound direction towards the university is closed because of emergency gas repairs, with the current anticipated end date of Thursday 22 October. Local bus services are diverting via Bryanstone Road and Roslin Road.

St Michaels Road and West Hill Road: Short sections around their junction in Bournemouth's West Cliff area remain closed to vehicles for SGN gas works until Friday 23 October. On West Cliff Road, parking and loading restrictions are also planned on both sides from 19 to 30 October.

Gervis Place: The closure through Bournemouth town centre continues for highway and bus improvement works, with buses using alternative stops and routes.

Columbia Road, Ensbury Park: A daytime closure is planned between properties 81/83 and 91/93 from Saturday 24 October until 1 November, 8am to 5pm. The diversion uses Ensbury Avenue and Slades Farm Road.

Highcliffe Road, Christchurch: Highway improvement works continue near Hoburne Roundabout, with the current programme extending into December. Drivers should be prepared for restrictions around the work area.

Poole – full closures and restrictions

Brudenell Road, Sandbanks: The section from Haven Road to the first Brudenell Avenue junction remains closed for utility connection works, currently scheduled until 19 December. Drivers are being diverted using Brudenell Avenue, Shore Road and Haven Road.

Recreation Road: The daytime closure between Alder Road and Gloucester Road continues until Friday 23 October, from 8am to 7pm. Further overnight closures are scheduled on Alder Road, for around 50 metres either side of the Recreation Road junction, from Wednesday 21 to Saturday 31 October, 7pm to 6am, with signed diversions.

Temporary restrictions and East Dorset

Westover Road, Bournemouth: Parking bays on the northern side are due to be suspended from Monday 19 October to 14 November for an electrical connection. A temporary disabled bay will be provided; the road itself is not listed for full closure.

Malmesbury Park Place: Parking restrictions begin on the southern side near Holdenhurst Road from 19 October to 13 November for SGN gas works. Restrictions also continue on nearby Henville Road until 30 October.

Black Moor Road, Verwood: A full closure remains scheduled between Ringwood Road and Taunus Way for National Grid overhead-network work, with an anticipated finish of 31 October. A local diversion is signed, and waiting restrictions also affect part of Taunus Way.

Verwood Road, Three Legged Cross: Temporary traffic signals for SGN works are expected to remain near the Ringwood Road junction until 5 November, potentially causing delays at busy times.

Dates can change because of weather, emergency repairs or changes to the work programme. Check local signs and live roadworks information before setting off, particularly for overnight journeys.