Published on Tuesday 17 February 2026
Improved roads, upgraded crossings and better connected travel options are set to make everyday journeys easier for residents – however they travel across BCP’s highways.
Plans to improve travel infrastructure, cut congestion and keep people across BCP moving are set to be discussed by councillors on 25 February.
The proposals are part of a four-year package of capital investment into Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s transport network that focuses on making regular journeys safer, smoother and more reliable.
The upgrades will improve roads, upgrade crossings, and provide long-term resurfacing that reduces the number of potholes: keeping residents moving and modernising the transport network across BCP.
The largest area of investment is highway maintenance with more than £7.7million being spent on resurfacing, preventative patching and micro-asphalt treatment for roads and pavements to reduce potholes and upgrade the long-term life of roads across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Improvements will also be made to highway structures, street lighting and traffic signals: minimising the frequency and costs of future maintenance whilst delivering noticeably smoother everyday journeys.
Last year our team repaired more than 2,500 potholes with a 12.7% reduction in reported potholes year on year. Independent figures from the Department for Transport placed road condition across BCP as being in the top 20% nationwide.
Significant funding has also been allocated to road safety measures - with improvements prioritised for the most-needed locations and on upgrading the Castle Lane East / Deansleigh Road junction outside the Royal Bournemouth Hospital to help improve the flow of traffic at this particularly busy location.
Cllr Andy Hadley, portfolio holder with responsibility for highways maintenance and sustainable transport at BCP Council, said: “We want to make everyday journeys easier for all of our residents, however they travel across our network
“That’s exactly what this package of improvements is set to deliver. The significant investment means we can upgrade key roads, improve crossings, and modernise the way we manage traffic flow across the network.
“These improvements will help keep people moving, support local growth, and ensure our transport network remains fit for the future, working alongside investment from transport partners.”
This package of investment represents a long-term commitment to improving roads and pavements in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, cutting congestion and supporting local growth. The certainty provided by a multi-year funding settlement means upgrades can be planned and delivered more effectively – ensuring investment is targeted where it will make the most difference.
The upgrades go hand-in-hand with BCP Council’s ambition for a new Lane Rental Scheme – which could cut roadwork disruption by up to 1/3 by incentivising works on main routes to be carried out at quieter times: meaning better roads but less congestion for everyone across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole’s busiest routes. The proposal will also be discussed at Cabinet on 4 March.
Councillors will consider an additional report on funding from Active Travel England which has doubled because of existing improvements have been recognised as best practice nationally. This funding will open up more safe, convenient and inclusive routes for residents – including safer school routes and better access to green spaces – delivering everyday improvements to support healthy travel options.
The grant to support proposed improvements to bus services will also be outlined – with more than £5 million of annual funding set to improve connectivity, give commuters and shoppers more choice, more often, and help residents to travel with confidence.
Papers on the Local Transport Consolidated Fund, Active Travel Funding, Local Authority Bus Grant and Lane Rental Scheme will be discussed by BCP Council's Transport Advisory Group on 25 February, and BCP Council's Cabinet on 4 March.