Bournemouth gridlocked as Wessex Way closes: live updates (From Thisisdorset)
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Bournemouth gridlocked as Wessex Way closes: live updates
8:29am Tuesday 13th November 2012 in Latest
By Sam Shepherd, Digital Projects Coordinator
This live event has finished
Latest
- The A338 has been closed to northbound traffic at Cooper Dean from 6am to 9am
- Traffic is at a standstill all the way back to the Cambridge Road roundabout
- Incoming traffic on the Wessex Way is also delayed between Kings Park and St Pauls
- Queens Park is at a standstill
- Traffic is queueing back beyond Castlepoint
11:23am
The traffic seems to be flowing freely across the town now so we're going to close this blog down - thanks for all your contributions and don't forget to get tomorrow's Echo when we'll be asking why the road was closed for so long.
If you'd like to add anything to the debate, you can still email newsdesk@bournemouthecho.co.uk.
Thanks!
11:00am
@Bournemouthecho just another point, just goes to show how our road network is at breaking point, too many people, too many cars. #A338
— @omega3dave 13 November 2012
10:49am
@Bournemouthecho went home in end, total chaos, all due to careless driving. When will people learn, unbelievable #A338
— @omega3dave 13 November 2012
10:49am
Traffic seems to still be slow heading into Ferndown from Parley Cross, and heading down towards Whitelegg Way from Kinson.
Castle Lane is also slow, as is Holdenhurst Road and Alma Road. Things do seem to be clearing though.
10:44am
Don't forget if you've got something to say on this story and you're not registered to comment, you can email us at digital@bournemouthecho.co.uk
10:38am
@Bournemouthecho fascinating reading the tales of people doing small journeys in their car. Maybe leave car at home and walk?
— @larko_no1 13 November 2012
10:37am
@Bournemouthecho 1hr 10mins for a 15 min journey from queens park to westbourne!
— @WillAblett 13 November 2012
10:29am
@Bournemouthecho Fasted overnight for a blood test & nurse trapped on Spur Rd so postponed. I will eat anything at all right now. ANYTHING.
— @Crankylemming 13 November 2012
10:23am
@Bournemouthecho it took me 45 minutes to get from Muscliff, to St Walburgas on Malvern road.
— @minimatt1967 13 November 2012
10:22am
@Bournemouthecho brilliant left my house in charminster drove round for 2hours and decided to head back home until later,
— @mugchops23 13 November 2012
10:22am
To reiterate what we know about the accident that closed the Wessex Way.
It happened just before six am. Police were called to reports a car had flipped into a field. It had rolled several times and then caught fire.
The driver was conscious and breathing and was treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to Poole General. His injuries are not life threatening.
The car, a Subaru Impreza, was registered to a man from Derby. No-one else was involved.
10:20am
@Bournemouthecho all in all, two hours to deliver some keys two miles up the road!
— @esqui_squirrel 13 November 2012
10:18am
@Bournemouthecho Gave up trying to get the kid to school. Enjoying a happy morning at home.
— @paperphilia 13 November 2012
10:18am
@Bournemouthecho Work at brock college, skipped wessex way, through boscome and crstchrch, up the A35, off at burley. about 40mins longer
— @gavhinton 13 November 2012
@Bournemouthecho 30 mins from boscombe to hospital. Husband on way to Slough turned back after 90 mins as was not even out of Bournemouth!!
— @shushc 13 November 2012
@Bournemouthecho walked winton to Castlepoint to open up as colleague was in accident. Left at 9.30 on the bus back, only just arriving
— @esqui_squirrel 13 November 2012
10:16am
#bmthtraffic Castle Point a no go zone. Bus has taken 40 mins to go 100 yards. #lateforwork
— @markafcb 13 November 2012
#bmthtraffic castlelane gridlocked plus all surrounding roads #nightmare
— @stevewright70 13 November 2012
If I could drop dead right now, I'd be the happiest man alive. #bmouth Southbourne, Xchurch & Tuckton Gridlocked. #bmthtraffic #solenttravel
— @carl_woodward09 13 November 2012
10:16am
It took me 90 mins to get to work this morning. Amazing the effect one crash can have and how fragile our road network is #bmthtraffic
— @tomwhild 13 November 2012
10:14am
@Bournemouthecho 20 minutes to get from epiphany school to Pizza Hut, craaaazy!!
— @gferrett_ 13 November 2012
10:14am
@Bournemouthecho about 15 minutes, and only that long because I got caught at the road works by Surrey Rd. #gobybike
— @Castlecameras 13 November 2012
10:10am
The traffic situation does seem to have been handled quite badly. No urgency in opening the spur road at all.
— @esqui_squirrel 13 November 2012
10:00am
An updated map showing all the accidents so far this morning
9:55am
Apparently there's been yet another accident on Charminster Road - a car has lost a wheel near the Broadway tavern
9:53am
Reporter Arron Hendy is up at the Mountbatten Arms. He says a Skoda Fabia is now being moved after that two car crash from earlier. Both cars were damaged but the two drivers, both from Poole escaped uninjured.
He says traffic is moving slowly and the road is about to be cleared.
9:51am
9:46am Tue 13 Nov 12
thevisitor says
As for the recovery, it is quite simple when the incident was having such a huge impact on such a large area. The police would have known about the gridlock and should have escorted the recovery vehicle to the incident. I drive from Branksome to Cadnam every day travelling the Wessex Way and A338 and I luckily heard about this before I left so drove to Gravel Hill and up to the A31. Amazingly it only put 10 minutes on my journey! My next car will have wheels on the roof making it more versatile if I happen to roll it in a 50mph limit!
9:47am Tue 13 Nov 12
The irate commuter says
Why does it take 3 hours to shift the car ? 9am & car still sat in middle of carriageway with nothing going on !!! No police, tow truck men stood around chatting!
9:50am
It looks like quite a lot of you are still stuck. Reader Hazel has emailed to say she left home at 8.10 from moordown. She's almost at the Wessex way but it's taken her almost 2 hours. She already an hour late and still not moving.
9:45am
A good question from the comments:
9:41am Tue 13 Nov 12
anti wrinkle says
saw drivers necking and getting out of cars to have a better look
WHY???
9:40am
@bournemouthecho - Now walked home. Better than spending a day on the bus. Much rather be home with the lovely missus! Chaos over for me!
— @markafcb 13 November 2012
9:39am
Reporter Mel Vass is coming in from Redhill and says traffic is backed up to Redhill Common. She says traffic is at a standstll one every side road and mums are having to park their cars and walk children to school because nothing is moving.
9:37am
We're told part of the delay clearing the road was because the recovery vehicle was stuck in the traffic...
9:35am
Traffic is now flowing freely on the Wessex Way but we're expecting it to take some time to clear from the side roads.
9:32am
As ever, if you're not registered to comment you can email digital@bournemouthecho.co.uk
9:31am
9:29am Tue 13 Nov 12
Sopiie1992 says
I sincerely hope everyone involved is ok :(
9:29am
We would like to know what you think about this morning's chaos. Do you think the police should have opened the road sooner? Could it have been better handled? (And if so, how?) And how has it affected you this morning?
9:26am
@Bournemouthecho - crashes now happening everywhere. Even on quiet roundabout at castle point shopping centre! :-( http://t.co/j4U8e3qP
— @markafcb 13 November 2012
9:25am
Details on that Mountbatten Arms crash - police say it's a non-injury accident involving two cars and Ringwood Road is down to a single lane.
9:24am
And another of the queuing traffic 
9:23am
Here's that picture of Richard's of the accident at Richmond Hill:
9:20am
We've just heard from our promotions manager Claire, who is stuck on the back roads of Boscombe. And there's apparently been another accident on the Mountbatten Arms roundabout and Ringwood Road is down to a single lane.
9:17am
The Wessex Way has now been reopened, but we're expecting the traffic to take a long time to clear.
9:10am
@Bournemouthecho castle lane still effectively closed. Might soon be some abandoned buses on road as drivers running out of driving hours!
— @markafcb 13 November 2012
@Bournemouthecho Traffic backed up on Castle Ln all the way to Moordown(Westway).Malvern Rd and side roads bad on school run 20 mins ago.
— @dwf82 13 November 2012
9:09am
This map shows where all three accidents happened. We're told recovery is on the way for the Subaru.
9:04am
A couple of updates from our Facebook page
Kevin Parsons: Every road in Bournemouth is blocked. Not got a mile from home and I left at 0730!
Lorraine Lockyer: roads in moordown now at grid lock too. it dosnt help now with school traffic too
9:03am
Accident on A338 - delays on X1, X2, X3, m1 and 15 services expected.
— @wdbus 13 November 2012
9:03am
Accident on A338 - delays on X1, X2, X3, m1 and 15 services expected.
— @wdbus 13 November 2012
9:01am
@Bournemouthecho Tell everyone to relax and take the rest of the day off! They ain't going anywhere, put the music on and chill. #wessexway
— @kirschpc 13 November 2012
@Bournemouthecho the traffic is horrendous everywhere due to the #wessexway
— @danv32 13 November 2012
@Bournemouthecho #wessexway - Iford is obviously gridlocked, & inevitable knock on effect on Barrack Rd and Fairmile. Avoid at all costs!
— @LeeC_UK 13 November 2012
@bournemouthecho - More accidents happening due to the crazy way people drive in traffic, what I'm seeing is terrible! #allinthistogether
— @markafcb 13 November 2012
9:01am
Richard Crease is back from Richmond Hill - he says an ambulance has just arrived to the second accident , a shunt just before Richmond Hill. One car is still blocking the fast lane and people are having to chicane around it.
8:59am
There appears to be no buses in Bomo. Been waiting ages. I start work in 6 mins.
— @giuseppe_arnone 13 November 2012
WHERE. ARE. THE. BUSES???
— @giuseppe_arnone 13 November 2012
8:56am
Our traffic feed is reporting slow traffic all over Bournemouth.
8:55am
@Bournemouthecho #wessexway - Charminster road solid in both directions
— @CarlJTaylor23 13 November 2012
@Bournemouthecho Wessex Way at standstill heading west between Springbourne and Asda roundabouts.
— @WillAblett 13 November 2012
@Bournemouthecho - report from More Buses, head on collision in Charminster adding to problems on Castle Lane, but easing in that direction
— @markafcb 13 November 2012
8:52am
We've just had a call from a driver who is stuck on Holdenhurst Road. He says he's tried "every which way" to get where he's going but is just stuck.
8:51am
Our photographer Richard Crease was actually at Richmond Hill taking pictures of the traffic when that second accident happened, so we'll have some images soon.
8:50am
@Bournemouthecho another crash on the Wessex way, just by the slip road off at Richmond hill....5 mins ago...(eastbound)
— @StuartMc1 13 November 2012
8:50am
8:49am
8:49am
Traffic is now backed up to the Cambridge Way roundabout and there's just been an accident just before the Richmond Hill roundabout on the northbound carriageway, which is down to a single lane.
8:47am
So, update from the police: the accident happened before six am. Police were called to reports a car had flipped into a field. It had rolled several times and then caught fire.
The driver was conscious and breathing and was treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to Poole General. His injuries are not life threatening.
The car, a Subaru Impreza, was registered to a man from Derby. No-one else was involved.
The council has been called to deal with debris on the road. A crane will be needed to recover the car, and has been called for but there's no news on when that might happen or how long it will take.
8:43am
8:42am Tue 13 Nov 12
lisa401 says
I was wondering why it took me 45 mins to get from Bournemouth School to Queens Park - now I know!
8:43am
@Bournemouthecho traffic is backed up all along Richmond park road
— @JessRabbit1969 13 November 2012
8:43am
Bear Cross and Longham also very busy, according to Roger in our newspaper sales department. He says it's a bit of a nightmare trying to get out of Bear Wood because everyone is obviously trying to get around the closure.
8:41am
Reporter Paula Roberts is just on the phone to the police press office now so we should get some idea of what happened and how long the road is likely to be closed.
8:39am
@Bournemouthecho I would advise people not to get in cars unless they have to, its backing into queenspark to!
— @xx_baby_hanz_xx 13 November 2012
@Bournemouthecho Queens Park Drive West at a standstill.
— @Nicklsb 13 November 2012
8:39am
Here's where the accident actually happened.
8:36am
@Bournemouthecho very busy castle lane and all through chisthchurch. Best go home.
— @Spiderman1969 13 November 2012
8:36am
As far as we can tell, all the roads around the Wessex Way are affected by the closure. Inbound traffic is queuing between Kings Park and St Paul's. Castle Lane West is slow in both directions. Whitelegg Way is also slow and we're told Christchurch is totally blocked although we're waiting for more information there.
8:32am
RT @Bournemouthecho: Folks, if you don't *really* need to go out today, don't. It's chaos. #bmthtraffic #a338
— @elizabethlizzey 13 November 2012
@Bournemouthecho yes was caught in it by cooper dean and an accident on charminster rd too #bmthtraffic
— @bellespurs 13 November 2012
8:31am
8:31am
We don't know much about the accident itself except that the car overturned and caught fire, but so far we've been unable to get through to the police to get any more details. We'll bring them as we get them.
8:30am
Morning. We're starting a live blog to keep you updated on the traffic after the accident on the Wessex Way this morning.
Comments(42)
ben111
says...
8:57am Tue 13 Nov 12
tricky1007
says...
9:17am Tue 13 Nov 12
yourbard
says...
9:23am Tue 13 Nov 12
ben111
says...
9:25am Tue 13 Nov 12
Sopiie1992
says...
9:29am Tue 13 Nov 12
anti wrinkle
says...
9:41am Tue 13 Nov 12
WHY???
thevisitor
says...
9:46am Tue 13 Nov 12
The irate commuter
says...
9:47am Tue 13 Nov 12
strippervicar
says...
9:49am Tue 13 Nov 12
perhaps they could do that every day instead of being so lazy.
DTSFA7
says...
10:17am Tue 13 Nov 12
Dont drop litter
says...
10:25am Tue 13 Nov 12
DTSFA7
says...
10:28am Tue 13 Nov 12
exactly the point, well said
rudolph_hucker
says...
10:37am Tue 13 Nov 12
The Renegade Master
says...
1:22pm Tue 13 Nov 12
Gordon Cann
says...
2:08pm Tue 13 Nov 12
An intelligent Government would make Friday a car free day; with exceptions for emergency services such as doctors, fire engines and ambulances
People might just then begin to imagine an alternative world and young people could actually begin to explore their neighbourhood and further a field by cycling;of course their would be problems , but it could work or do we build more roads encourage more cars,and gridlocks
But then perhaps I am slightly mad the age of 82 and owned my first car at the age of 33!
shellin
says...
2:08pm Tue 13 Nov 12
Gordon Cann
says...
2:10pm Tue 13 Nov 12
mudeford7
says...
2:10pm Tue 13 Nov 12
TinyLegacy
says...
2:11pm Tue 13 Nov 12
Dorset Mitch
says...
2:21pm Tue 13 Nov 12
Dont drop litter
says...
2:23pm Tue 13 Nov 12
TinyLegacy wrote:Exactly. Its is annoying that someone managed to turn thier car upside down but at least you all made it into work this morning and got your little darlings dropped off at school.
All you poor people and being delayed. Deal with it. How about sparing a thought for the families of those involved?
It's ironic that someone that was probably in a hurry to get to work was at the root of this. Leave a bit earlier, drive slower...next time it could be you.
Dibbles2
says...
2:25pm Tue 13 Nov 12
burgerboy
says...
2:28pm Tue 13 Nov 12
DTSFA7 wrote:Now then now then now then, guys and galls,don't forget"CLUNK CLICK EVERY TRIP" (;o). Now where have I heard that before?.
yet another morning ruined by careless driving, when will people understand, is winter, slow down, drive accordingly, speed kills!
Dibbles2
says...
2:30pm Tue 13 Nov 12
Gordon Cann wrote:So what about other essential services like homecare for the elderly, meals on wheels for the elderly, disabled cars for the elderly, hospital appts and other essential everyday things. As you have said your are 82 and hats off to you but times have changed and many of the things that we took for granted years ago no longer exist like community hospitals and relatives caring for others.
All part of the madness of the modern world.
An intelligent Government would make Friday a car free day; with exceptions for emergency services such as doctors, fire engines and ambulances
People might just then begin to imagine an alternative world and young people could actually begin to explore their neighbourhood and further a field by cycling;of course their would be problems , but it could work or do we build more roads encourage more cars,and gridlocks
But then perhaps I am slightly mad the age of 82 and owned my first car at the age of 33!
andyjb10
says...
2:47pm Tue 13 Nov 12
shellin wrote:'My poor little family'. Blimey, if that is all you have to worry about in life then I think you have it easy.
Well what started for me as a normal trip to work with my husband driving me so he could drop my daughter off to school afterwards and our 2 yr old son in the car too. Ended up with me jumping out of the car at Castlepoint shopping centre and walking the rest of the way to RBH where I work. My poor daughter then ended up 45 minutes late for school because it too 1 hour and 45 mins to get back to Kinson/West Howe. My poor husband then had to sort out or son and get my daughters school bag and take it to school for her.... Why oh why did it take so long to clear it. Oh what a morning. A 20 min drive turned into an hour commute and for my poor little family in the car a 2 hour trip.
You had to walk all the way from Castlepoint to the hospital, my heart bleeds for you, it really does. You should be very proud of yourself for braving such a harrowing walk.
rudolph_hucker
says...
4:05pm Tue 13 Nov 12
The irate commuter
says...
4:32pm Tue 13 Nov 12
TinyLegacy wrote:BUT lets be honest, have you ever seen a Subaru Impreza being driven sensible & to the speed limit ???
All you poor people and being delayed. Deal with it. How about sparing a thought for the families of those involved?
These cars are built for speed - so sorry for being harsh but I have little sympathy with these drivers that have no care for there own safety & more importantly other road users.
Hawkwood
says...
4:59pm Tue 13 Nov 12
Thinkbeforeyouspeak!
says...
5:00pm Tue 13 Nov 12
EGHH
says...
5:05pm Tue 13 Nov 12
FNS-man
says...
5:38pm Tue 13 Nov 12
Dibbles2 wrote:Yes, essential services can go on the roads, that's fine. Just not the fat feckers in the car on their own for their 2 mile journey to work.
Gordon Cann wrote: All part of the madness of the modern world. An intelligent Government would make Friday a car free day; with exceptions for emergency services such as doctors, fire engines and ambulances People might just then begin to imagine an alternative world and young people could actually begin to explore their neighbourhood and further a field by cycling;of course their would be problems , but it could work or do we build more roads encourage more cars,and gridlocks But then perhaps I am slightly mad the age of 82 and owned my first car at the age of 33!So what about other essential services like homecare for the elderly, meals on wheels for the elderly, disabled cars for the elderly, hospital appts and other essential everyday things. As you have said your are 82 and hats off to you but times have changed and many of the things that we took for granted years ago no longer exist like community hospitals and relatives caring for others.
yesitsmeagain
says...
6:14pm Tue 13 Nov 12
ragj195
says...
6:15pm Tue 13 Nov 12
The irate commuter wrote:To be honest considering how quick these cars are I rarely see them being driven too fast.
TinyLegacy wrote:BUT lets be honest, have you ever seen a Subaru Impreza being driven sensible & to the speed limit ???
All you poor people and being delayed. Deal with it. How about sparing a thought for the families of those involved?
These cars are built for speed - so sorry for being harsh but I have little sympathy with these drivers that have no care for there own safety & more importantly other road users.
fairbalance
says...
6:19pm Tue 13 Nov 12
The Police should stop playing "CSI Bournemouth" - an accident is not a crime scene.
gileto
says...
6:21pm Tue 13 Nov 12
Thinkbeforeyouspeak! wrote:Whilst it's of course hoped that the driver makes a full recovery, it's a miracle that he damaged the car so badly within the legal speed limit. He is indeed lucky to be alive. Driving that type of car and it's very probable at considerable speed, he wouldn't have had much thought for the two children at the time nor, more pertinently, the children of anybody else he was lucky not to involve in his crash.
I know the that the person involved in this accident is in a bad way and has 2 young children that call him daddy and a partner, he is self employed and so will receive no income now for months!!! So sorry you were all delayed I'm sure on his way into work today trying to provide for his family he didn't intentionally decide to roll his car, a car might I add he only purchased yesterday after years of driving a very sensible ford focus!!!! He was wearing a seat belt and apparently not speeding so actually until the authorities do there job and we find out what actually happened perhaps you should spare a thought for the fact that this man has a family and they have been inconvenienced far more than having to walk to work or getting delayed all this suffering right before Xmas too :-/ innocent til proven guilty and if its found that he was at fault you can have your pound of flesh but until then think of his girlfriend having to read your nasty negative comments, he is lucky to be alive just remember he is also someone's son and he could easily be dead now people have died in lesser accidents!!!!
Aside from this incident, we should all remember that wreckless driving or excessive speed kills (and not just the driver) as it has done in the last couple of weeks locally..
DTSFA7
says...
7:23pm Tue 13 Nov 12
well said, high performance car and that amount of damage = too fast for conditions . End of
rudolph_hucker
says...
7:27pm Tue 13 Nov 12
Thinkbeforeyouspeak! wrote:that doesn't pay for all our wasted time and fuel does it
I know the that the person involved in this accident is in a bad way and has 2 young children that call him daddy and a partner, he is self employed and so will receive no income now for months!!! So sorry you were all delayed I'm sure on his way into work today trying to provide for his family he didn't intentionally decide to roll his car, a car might I add he only purchased yesterday after years of driving a very sensible ford focus!!!! He was wearing a seat belt and apparently not speeding so actually until the authorities do there job and we find out what actually happened perhaps you should spare a thought for the fact that this man has a family and they have been inconvenienced far more than having to walk to work or getting delayed all this suffering right before Xmas too :-/ innocent til proven guilty and if its found that he was at fault you can have your pound of flesh but until then think of his girlfriend having to read your nasty negative comments, he is lucky to be alive just remember he is also someone's son and he could easily be dead now people have died in lesser accidents!!!!
purchased a subraru yesterday
unpside down in a field today
clearly hasn't got a clue
The Timelord
says...
8:05pm Tue 13 Nov 12
Yet again the bike beats the car for speed and convenience....
West Howe Sean
says...
8:52pm Tue 13 Nov 12
fairbalance wrote:Your last point is spot on.
I shall be getting on to the new Police and Crime Commissioner about this. No-one lacks sympathy for accident victims, but once they are rescued, it should be the job of our public servants to clear the mess and get us moving again. It may just be 'inconvenience' to be delayed, but multiply by the number of people affected and this is a scandal. Lots of economic damage and real potential danger when fire engines and ambulances are delayed.
The Police should stop playing "CSI Bournemouth" - an accident is not a crime scene.
It seems we do not have accidents any more.
Today when there is an "accident" the Police pull out all the stops and do all they can to try and find a reason to prosecute someone.
EGHH
says...
6:48am Wed 14 Nov 12
The Timelord wrote:When I see a bike carrying several tons of freight or disabled people I'll agree with you! Until then bikes are an inconvenience in my book.
Hooray for the bike enabling cyclists able to weave their way through all those sour faced and inconvenienced motorists.
Yet again the bike beats the car for speed and convenience....
Rich Bennett
says...
8:44am Wed 14 Nov 12
1.If the car was in a field and all occupants out of it was was it NOT left there until after the rush hour.
2. Why was the breakdown truck NOT given a police escort.
3. When the truck was at the scene why could the other one NOT be opened and patroled by a police car.
I also drive a Subaru Impreza and don't consider I drive any worse / better than other drivers.
It seems unbelievable that a car goes in a field at 6.30am and the whole of Bournemouth is brought to a standstill for 6 hours.
lisa401 says...
8:42am Tue 13 Nov 12