Under the current proposed plans, the walking and cycling improvements between Benellen Avenue and Glenferness Avenue are going ahead as detailed in the proposals below. This follows a national review by the Department for Transport of the Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) programme. Click here to read the full announcement.

About the proposals

Following a review of the feedback received on the proposed improvements, we have further developed our designs in the Benellen Avenue area. These designs include the introduction of a 20mph speed limit zone along Leven Avenue, Walsford Road, Benellen Avenue, Benellen Road, Benellen Gardens, and Leven Close. We expect works to introduce these improvements to start in spring 2024.

As part of the works, we will also be introducing improvements in the following locations, to connect the route to the town centre with the recently completed improvements in Upper Gardens:

• Widened shared paths on Queens Road and Prince of Wales Road 
• A new parallel crossing on Branksome Wood Road near the junction with Queens Road / Leven Avenue
• Changes to the road layout at the junction of Branksome Wood Road and Queens Road to provide dedicated space for people walking and cycling – southbound access for vehicles will be maintained along Queens Road.

Artist’s impression of proposals at the Leven Avenue / Benellen Avenue / Walsford Road junction (looking north/west)

Public consultation

The original public consultation on this route took place in spring 2021. View the original design here. A report summarising the results of consultation has been published here in addition to our responses to issues raised here. 

The original proposals included removing vehicle access between Glenferness Avenue and Branksome Wood Road. Having listened to public feedback and reviewed the results of updated traffic and cycle count data collected in the area, BCP Council decided not to progress with the closure. The designs have been amended to keep the road open, but to increase safety and improve the area for pedestrians and cyclists by encouraging lower vehicle speeds and discouraging through traffic. 

Public consultation on these new proposals was undertaken from 29 March to 6 May 2022. Nearly two thirds of respondents (63%) agreed with the proposed changes. 78% of respondents that live in the Benellen Avenue area agreed with the proposals.

A report summarising our responses to issues raised in the second consultation is here.