Gravel Hill to Bear Cross Roundabout, Poole
A series of bus, cycling and walking improvements are under construction in north Poole between Gravel Hill and Bear Cross Roundabout.
About the Gravel Hill to Bear Cross Roundabout project
Transport Minister Baroness Vere: "I’m delighted we’ve been able to support this project, which is an exciting step forward in our bid to increase the number of journeys made by sustainable modes of transport in South East Dorset. It will level up the transport in the area by making journeys quicker, easier and greener."
The work, which forms part of a 13km long green travel route eventually linking Merley, Poole with Christchurch, includes major bus, cycling and walking improvements including new bus shelters, bus stop location upgrades, toucan crossings, walking and cycling paths, new and improved junctions and reduced speed limits.
What is happening:
The work is being undertaken in four phases:
Phase one - Gravel Hill to Merley Lane (Queen Anne Drive) - complete
The new improvements include:
- A new, wider shared use path between Rempstone Road and Merley Lane on the north side of Queen Anne Drive
- Junction improvements where Queen Anne Drive meets Rempstone Road, Montacute Way, Lynwood Drive and Merley Lane with safer crossing points for people walking and cycling
Phase two - The Hamworthy Club to Knighton Lane Junction (Magna Road) - complete
The new improvements include:
- Junction improvements at the entrance into Hamworthy Club giving more priority to pedestrians and cyclists across the access road
- A new 3m-wide shared use path on the north side of Magna Road between the Hamworthy Club and Canford Arena Way junction (by the Canford Magna Garden Centre)
- Converting the existing footway on the north side of Magna Road between Canford Arena Way junction and Knighton Lane to a new shared cycling / walking path and widening the existing shared path on the south side of Magna Road, creating more space for cyclists and pedestrians
Phase three - Merley Lane to Canford Magna (Queen Anne Drive/Magna Road) - complete
The new improvements include:
- A new shared walking/cycling path on the north side of Queen Anne Drive between Merley Lane and Canford Magna
- New toucan crossings and traffic signals at the Canford Magna junction with Queen Anne Drive/Magna Road
- Refurbished and improved bus stops with raised access to make it easier to get on and off buses
New walking, cycling and bus improvements along Queen Anne Drive / Magna Road
Phase four - Knighton Lane to Bear Cross Roundabout (Magna Road) - estimated start date: spring 2023
Following public consultation, the existing right-hand turn lane for traffic from Magna Road into King John Avenue will be retained.
View the design plan here
- A new protected cycle track will be installed on both sides of Magna Road between Knighton Lane and Wood Lane, with a small section of shared use path between the junction and Wheelers Road on the south side
- A new crossing point will be installed to the east of King John Avenue
- Junction layouts will be revised where Magna Road meets King John Avenue, Wood Lane and Lea Way, giving more priority to people walking and cycling over the adjoining roads (subject to planning development)
- The existing crossing near Lea Way will be upgraded to a toucan crossing point (subject to planning development)
- Bus stop locations will be upgraded along the route, including accessibility improvements, new bus shelters and real-time information
Public Consultation
Plans for these improvements were informed by responses gathered during public engagement late 2020 and formal consultation which ran from 10 May to 14 June 2021. Reports summarising the results are available via the links below:
The work forms part of the 13km
Merley, Poole to/from Christchurch sustainable travel route.