DELAYS in completing major roadworks on one of Bournemouth's busiest commuter routes could cause disruption for school pupils this week.

Work to create cycle lanes along Castle Lane West to encourage more students to bike to school should have been finished by the start of term.

But the roadworks are running around a month behind schedule and East Way, which is used by many pupils travelling to Bournemouth School and Bournemouth School for Girls, is still closed at its junction with Castle Lane West.

Transport bosses say they will now liaise with schools and bus operators to try and come up with alternative arrangements for pupils and parents until the work is finished at the end of September.

Mike Holmes, service director for planning, transport and regulatory services, said: “Castle Lane West is recently undergoing major improvements for those travelling along this key commuter route. Unfortunately during construction our contractors identified greater damage below the road surface than we originally anticipated.

“As a result we have needed additional time to replace the full depth of the road across the T-junction area in order to carry out the planned improvements.

“We acknowledge this is a heavily used route and we are doing all we can to ensure we complete these works as soon as possible. For example the resources on site and the contractors will be working throughout the weekends.

“We will be liaising directly with the schools in the area, as well as bus operators to provide a temporary solution to those travelling to and from the schools in East Way.”

The project includes new continental-style cycle lanes, walking and cycling routes, a new traffic light junction and new road surfacing.