Published on Friday 16 April 2021
Work on Transforming Cities Fund’s first sustainable travel routes in the BCP area starts at the end of May on a new cycle route along Whitelegg Way and cycle and walking improvements in Upper Gardens.
New protected cycle tracks running on both sides of Whitelegg Way will form part of a 13km sustainable travel route between Merley (Poole) and Christchurch aimed at improving journeys by bike, foot and bus. The route will enable more sustainable journeys and expand the travel choices available to people living and working in the area.
The existing shared cycle and footpath in Bournemouth’s Upper Gardens is set to benefit from widening, resurfacing and better lighting, improving the route for pedestrians and cyclists. The work forms part of the 14km sustainable travel route between Bournemouth town centre and Ferndown aimed at making journeys safer, easier and more enjoyable.
Julian McLaughlin, Director of Transport and Engineering for BCP Council said:
"We’re excited to see the cycling, walking and bus improvements funded through the Transforming Cities Fund get underway in BCP Council area – it’s all part of our ambition to transform local travel and give people greater options and confidence to get out and about locally without having to rely on the car. The benefits of sustainable travel are well proven and are helping us to build a greener, healthier and better-connected region."
Whitelegg Way work includes:
- a new, dedicated (segregated from traffic) 850m cycle track along both sides of Whitelegg Way between Redhill roundabout and Northbourne roundabout providing a protected route for cyclists
- reducing the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph along Whitelegg Way to make the road safer for drivers and cyclists
- Changing how vehicles can use the junction between Wimborne Road (known as the slip road) and Whitelegg Way. Vehicles will no longer be able to turn left from Wimborne Road onto Whitelegg Way. Vehicles will continue to be able to turn right. This change will provide dedicated space for people cycling when they are waiting at the junction and reduce waiting times for buses and other vehicles.
- Traffic lights at the Whitelegg Way/Wimborne road will be upgraded to provide a head start for cyclists in front of vehicles when lights turn green
- Improving and relocating the existing crossing near Northbourne Roundabout so it can be used by people cycling and walking
- bus stop improvements including new shelters and real time information along Wimborne road
- new wayfinding/directional signage
Upper Gardens work includes:
- widening and resurfacing the existing cycle/footpath through the gardens. Path divided between walkers and cyclists by low, raised delineating lines (punctuated with fully shared areas)
- lighting improvements
- widening of the existing pavement on the eastern side of Prince of Wales Road and Queens Road, creating shared space for pedestrians and cyclists, with new crossings on both roads
- changing junction layouts where Prince of Wales Road, Benellen Avenue and Queens Road meet Branksome Wood Road, giving more priority to people walking and cycling
Work on Whitelegg Way is due to start on 16th May an last for around 20 weeks and will be delivered by BCP Council. Work in Upper Gardens will start on 24 May.
Further information about the improvements:
- along Whitelegg Way and the overall sustainable travel route planned to run to / from Merley and Christchurch is available here
- in Upper Gardens and the overall sustainable travel route planned to run to / from Bournemouth town centre and Ferndown is available here.
BCP Council and Dorset Council were one of 12 city regions in England to secure a share of the government’s Transforming Cities Fund based on its commitment to driving economic growth through investment in public sustainable transport. It forms a major part of the region’s Transforming Travel programme promoting sustainable travel.