The first phase of works to improve walking, cycling and bus facilities along Christchurch Road in Bournemouth will get underwayon Monday 19 May.
As part of a package of works planned for Christchurch Road to improve sustainable travel and make the area more attractive, the first stage will be carried out between Southbourne Road and Warnford Road.
These improvements are part of Bournemouth, Poole and Dorset councils’ Three Towns Travel initiative to make travel easier, safer and more attractive across the conurbation.
Major investment to improve this section of Christchurch Road will result in:
· Segregated cycle lanes which will separate cyclists from vehicles
· New parking bays
· Raised crossing points for pedestrians across side roads
· Upgraded street lighting
· New zebra crossing, west of Waltham Road
· Changes to parking restrictions on Christchurch Road only
· Reduced traffic congestion
Councillor Michael Filer, Cabinet Member for Transport said, “The Three Towns Travel initiative gives our communities better options for how they travel, such as the implementation ofadditional cycle lanes, crossings and traffic calming measures.
“The area on Christchurch Road between Southbourne Road and Exton Road is heavily used by many local residents, businesses and commuters. By improving these facilities we’re able to encourage more people to walk, cycle or take the bus instead which will help reduce congestion and improve journey times along this road.”
These works will be carried out in two sections which in total will take approximately 12 weeks to complete. The first section will start between Hambledon Road and Warnford Road, before moving west between Holdenhurst Avenue and Southbourne Road.
Ian Kalra, Head of Transportation Services said, “We are preparing for a future with more people, more jobs and more commuters on our roads. These improvements will help people move around Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch more efficiently in the long-term.
“We are aware that there may be some disruption whilst works are underway, however we can assure local residents and businesses as well as the travelling public, that various traffic measures will be implemented to keep this to a minimum.”
The three councils won additional national funding so they could invest in travel improvements in and around Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch.
For further information about Three Towns Travel please visit www.threetownstravel.co.uk.
