A338 delays continue as contraflow is introduced

The A338/Blackwater works which have slowed commutes into Bournemouth and Christchurch are set to continue as a contraflow has been introduced.

The works, which were part of the Bournemouth International Growth (BIG) Programme transport schemes, have been causing delays since September 2018.

A new contraflow is in place on the #A338. The contraflow prioritises two lanes northbound and a single southbound lane. @TravelDorset Find out more below. https://t.co/0jfkhuaud4…lace-on-the-a338/ pic.twitter.com/Sp658Gu3HP

— Bournemouth Council (@bournemouthbc) March 3, 2019

Commuters are enduring the 50mph limit through the A338/Blackwater route into Bournemouth, as well as queues of traffic during peak times.

The works are part of a £20million project which will see the southbound slip lane being transformed into a third lane under the B3073 overbridge and over the River Stour Bridge.

The contraflow, which was introduced earlier this week, is said to “prioritise two lanes northbound and a single southbound lane” in an effort to ease congestion, according to Travel Dorset

However, some road users have responded by saying the southbound lanes are in more desperate need of attention.

Twitter user @ginge_jnr asked “Why have you prioritised the direction that is seldom busy, the southbound lane is absolute hell and you’ve made it worse!”

The A338/Blackwater works are set to continue until at least June 2019, with morning delays expected to continue.

Travel Dorset advised that motorists traveling to work are advised to drive carefully and allow extra time for their journeys.

The organisation have also offered a real time, interactive road map so that commuters can get live updates on expected delays on the A338.