MOTORISTS travelling around Motcombe, Mere and Gillingham are being warned to brace for delays as a wave of roadworks and closures hit some of the area’s busiest rural routes.

The biggest disruption remains the closure of Lawn Bridge near Motcombe, which has cut off the well-used back route between Mere and Gillingham via Gutchpool Farm.

The bridge shut earlier this month and is expected to stay closed around the clock until at least June 12 while Dorset Council carries out major structural repairs, including culvert refurbishment, parapet repairs and underpinning works.

The closure has already forced drivers onto lengthy diversions, and there is more disruption ahead.

New Road, linking the B3081 near the Lion’s Mouth water feature towards the A30 and Woollands Lane, has also been shut for Wessex Water works.

Meanwhile, Wiltshire Council temporarily closed part of the B3081 between Zig Zag Hill and the Win Green turn-off for patching works, causing further headaches for commuters and residents.

Wessex Water crews are also working along Village Road in West Orchard near Great House Farm over the coming days.

Although there are no formal closures or temporary traffic lights in place, drivers are being urged to take extra care around workers in the road.

And the roadworks do not stop there.

Further resurfacing projects are planned on Knapp Hill and North End, with Dorset Council expected to begin surface dressing works running through to May 25.

Gillingham Town Council confirmed the Lawn Bridge closure is needed to allow essential safety works to be completed and said signed diversion routes are in place.

But for many drivers trying to navigate the growing list of closures, the coming weeks could prove a test of patience.

More information on closures and diversions is available via Dorset Council roadworks updates