Published on Friday 14 May 2021
Improvements to cycling and walking routes to help transform travel through Bournemouth’s Upper Gardens are set to get underway.
Work on the first section of a new sustainable transport route, which will eventually link Bournemouth centre to Ferndown, will begin on 24 May 2021 in Upper Gardens, Bournemouth. The work, part of BCP and Dorset Councils’ Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) programme, is due to be completed by spring 2022.
Improvements include:
- widening and resurfacing the existing cycle/footpath through the gardens where possible. The path will be divided between walkers and cyclists by line markings
- lighting upgrades
- improved wayfinding and signage.
The main cycling and walking path on the southern side of the gardens will be temporarily closed while works are carried out. A diversion will be marked during the works, running parallel to the existing path in the gardens. Cyclists and walkers are asked to exercise caution and consideration whilst the works are on-going.
Councillor Mike Greene, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability at BCP Council said:
"We know this route through the gardens is very popular and I am pleased to see it being upgraded as part of BCP and Dorset Councils’ TCF programme, aimed at creating a modern, sustainable transport network in south east Dorset. The benefits of sustainable transport are well proven and it’s our ambition to transform local travel and give people the option to get out and about without having to rely on their cars."
The second phase of the Upper Gardens improvement works are due to start late 2022 and will include:
- widening of the existing footway on the eastern side of Prince of Wales Road and Queens Road, creating shared space for pedestrians and cyclists, with new crossing points on both roads
- new crossings on Branksome Wood Road near its junctions with Prince of Wales Road and Queens Road to allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross safely.
The Upper Gardens stretch is the southernmost section of a major sustainable travel route that will run from Bournemouth town centre to/from Ferndown. The route will include new continuous cycle and walking lanes, improvements to bus stops and bus lanes, new technology giving service information updates, new parallel pedestrian and cycling crossings, and walking, cycling and traffic control infrastructure.
Full details of BCP and Dorset Councils’ Transforming Cities Fund programme can be seen at: www.transformingtravel.info