The first phase of works to improve cycling, walking and bus travel along Castle Lane West will get underway on Monday 30 June.
These improvements will take place at the Castle Lane West/ East Way junction as part of Bournemouth Borough Council’s wider initiative to make travel easier, safer and more attractive across the town.
The first phase of improvements will include:
- New continental-style cycle lanes
- High quality walking and cycling routes with the widening of pavements and cycle lanes
- A new traffic light junction
- Enhanced road safety by improving the current crossings
- New road surfacing
Bournemouth Borough Council won additional government funding to invest in cycling, walking and public transport facilities to give communities improved options for how they travel.
Councillor Michael Filer, Cabinet Member for Transport said, “These works form part of Bournemouth Borough Council’s plans to improve sustainable travel options when travelling to work, school and for leisure purposes.
“Approximately 30,000 motorists a day travel along this road and some 25% of the town’s primary and secondary school children attend schools in and around Castle Lane. We want to ensure that all pedestrians and cyclists feel confident travelling in and around this area, as well as encouraging others to travel more sustainably and lead a healthier lifestyle.
“Once complete, these works will help reduce congestion in the long-term and enhance the overall environment.”
The works will see the implementation of continental-style cycle lanes, which will improve pedestrian and cycle safety by separating them from motorists.
In order to carry out the improvement works, the East Way/ Castle Lane West junction will be closed to traffic between the 25 July and 30 August.Traffic travelling along Castle Lane West will be diverted via Charminster Road to access East Way from the south.
Ian Kalra, Head of Transportation Services said, “We are preparing for a future with more people, more jobs and more commuters by making these changes now.
“We are aware that there may be some disruption during the works, however various traffic measures will be put in place to keep disruption to a minimum for local residents, businesses and the travelling public.”
Residents will still be able to access their properties during the improvements and bus services and refuse collections will not be affected.
The first phase of works are expected to be completed by August 2014.
For more information please visit www.bournemouth.gov.uk/castlelanewest.
