A338 Spur Road to have overnight spring clean-up 

This May, essential work is taking place on the A338 spur road between Ashley Heath and Bournemouth.

This includes litter picking; road sweeping; grass cutting; repairs to the safety fence and sound reducing barriers; bridge inspections and repairs; gully clearing; and localised safety repairs to the carriageway.

The works are being carried out over four nights, with lane closures in place from 9pm to 6am, as follows:

Monday 20 and Tuesday 21  May - Southbound carriageway from Ashley Heath to Cooper Dean

Wednesday 22 and Thursday 23 May - Northbound carriageway from Cooper Dean to Ashley Heath

Dorset Council works with BCP Council to carry out the twice-yearly clean-up, benefiting drivers and safeguarding the environment. The night-time closures aim to keep disruption to a minimum.

The northbound closure will also enable Southern Gas Networks (SGN) to inspect their assets on the highway.  

Jack Wiltshire, Head of Highways at Dorset Council, said: “The overnight approach means we can carry out the work while keeping disruption for drivers to a minimum.

“Closing the carriageways allows us to clean up, inspect and repair efficiently and safely, and it enables our partners at SGN to do the same.

“We thank everyone in advance for their patience and understanding while we improve the road and protect the natural environment from unsightly rubbish that continues to be dumped on the roadside.”

Motorists are advised to allow extra time for their journey during these nightworks, for example if they are travelling to Bournemouth airport for a late night or early morning flight.

In 2023, over 14 tonnes of rubbish (the equivalent weight of two small lorries) were collected from the overnight spring and autumn clean-ups.