Published on Friday 09 February 2024
Work by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council to significantly improve Ensbury Park Road in Bournemouth starts next week.
The stretch from Cherries Drive to Wimborne Road will be reconstructed and closed to all vehicles, except the emergency services during this period. The work starts on Monday (12 February) and will last for two weeks.
The condition of the road has deteriorated over time and requires more than just simply replacing the worn-out tarmac.
The work will involve removing the road surface to a depth of almost 200mm and then recycling this material, which is mixed with a cement-based product to make it stronger before its re-laid. A new, fresh asphalt running surface is then applied on top.
The construction work will strengthen the ground conditions and make the road more sustainable and durable for years to come.
A full closure of the road during this period is necessary to ensure the upgrade can be carried out as quickly and as efficiently as possible.
During the work, the main diversion route for traffic will be via Wimborne Road, the A360 Castle Lane West and A347 Redhill Drive, with all the side roads in the area open as usual.
Emergency services have been informed and the council have been working closely with Morebus during the planning for this project, with measures in place to ensure their temporary bus routes can operate smoothly using Ashton Road.
Councillor Andy Hadley, Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy and BCP Council, said: “This work is essential to enhance a stretch of road that has endured lots of wear and tear and needs replacing.
“We are taking active steps to not only strengthen the road so it’s more durable and able to cope with the vehicles using it, but ensuring sustainability is at the forefront as we recycle the previous materials used.
“Timing is always a challenge when it comes to large scale maintenance projects, and we understand there is never a convenient period to carry out work such as this on our busy highways without causing a level of disruption to both motorists and residents.
“However, we’ve taken time to assess all aspects of the project to minimise the impact best we can, which is why part of this work will be carried out during the school half-term period, alongside a time where we see fewer visitors to the area compared to the summer months.
“We really appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation over the coming weeks and advise you to leave extra time for your journeys during the work.”
Notes to editors:
Restrictions and closures:
- No traffic will be allowed to head east from the Cherries Drive/Ensbury Park Road gyratory towards Wimborne Road.
- No traffic will be allowed to head west from Wimborne Road towards the Cherries Drive/Ensbury Park Road gyratory.
- No traffic will be able to enter or leave Ensbury park Road from Highfield Drive.
What roads are remaining open?
- The Cherries Drive/Ensbury Park Road gyratory will remain open as usual.
- The north/south A347 route along Redhill Drive/Boundary Road and access to/from Columbia Road is not affected.
- Access to the Cherries Drive/Ensbury Park Road gyratory from Oswald Road is unaffected although it will be reduced to the width of one lane on the approach to the junction with Ensbury Park Road.
- Wimborne Road, north/south will be open as usual but there’ll be no access into or out of Ensbury Park Road.
- Oswald Road and Winton Primary School will both remain open during the half-term holiday break.
For more details about our Highways Maintenance programme, you can visit www.bcpcouncil.gov.uk/highwaymaintenance.