Published on Wednesday 04 March 2020
As part of the next stage of BCP Council’s major infrastructure improvements in the area Wallisdown Road, including its junctions with Alton Road and Talbot Drive, will be closed for approximately two and half weeks from Saturday 4 April 2020.
The full closure will enable essential works to be carried out along Wallisdown Road, from Boundary Roundabout to Fern Barrow Road. These will include a full depth reconstruction of the existing carriageway which is approaching the end of its useable lifespan.
During this time access along Wallisdown Road will be maintained for both pedestrians and cyclists. Aiming to encourage more sustainable journeys along this key local transport route, works to create a new shared cycleway and footpath on the south side of Wallisdown Road between Talbot Drive and University Roundabout are already underway.
Working in partnership with local bike share scheme operator Beryl Bikes, the council is also facilitating a 50% discount on all minute riding bundles. The discount code WALLISDOWN50can be used on the Beryl Bikes app and will be active from 1 April to 19 April. Beryl Bikes are available for instant hire cycle journeys across Bournemouth and Poole. This is offer will only be available for the first 1000 redemptions.
Councillor Vikki Slade, Leader of BCP Council, said:
"The closure of Wallisdown Road is an important next step in delivering our wider vision for the area. We aim to complete these essential works as quickly as possible and have identified the Easter holidays as the most optimal time in order to minimise the impact on residents, local businesses, schools, the Universities and commuters.
"We appreciate this will lead to some short-term disruption, however if we were to keep the carriageway even partially open this would result in a significantly longer works programme. By also utilising a more time efficient method of construction, we will be able to reduce carbon emissions by 30% compared to other more traditional methods.
"We encourage people to allow extra time for their journeys and to pay close attention to signage. We also suggest walking, taking public transport or making the most of our Beryl Bikes cycling incentive.’’
In advance of the road closure, the council is also working closely with local bus companies to ensure they continue to efficiently operate in the local area. Both Yellow Buses and morebus will be making alterations to their routes and further information can be found on their websites as well as on social media.
For all other road users a signposted diversion route will be in place via Boundary Road, Columbia Road and Kinson Road with additional parking restrictions in place in some areas to enhance traffic flow.
For more information, please visit: bcpcouncil.gov.uk/wallisdownroad
To download the Beryl app, please visit: beryl.cc/bikeshare.