Major improvements to busy Poole road from next month
BCP Council's to work on Ringwood Road until 2026
Huge improvements to a busy Poole route are due to begin next month - at a cost of £17.5 million.
BCP Council say the route between Hunt Road and the Mountbatten roundabout is at 'maximum traffic capacity' and the work will eventually 'improve safety, encourage active travel and reduce congestion'.
Work's due to start from September 2nd and will take place over four phases through until 2026.
What's planned?
The road is to get two new bus lanes, and a 2.7 km two-way cycle track, along with new or improved toucan, zebra and parallel crossings.
There'll also be enhancements for 23 road junctions, a complete reconstruction of the junction for Sea View Road, 19 upgraded bus shelters, 4.5 km of resurfacing and 1.8 km of improved pavements.
The £17.5 million project is being funded through a Government grant under the Transforming Cities Fund.
It'll be carried out in the following phases, with the aim of minimising disruption:
Phase 1: Sea View Road to Balston Road - Alderney Roundabout to Mountbatten Roundabout from September autumn 2024 to spring 2025
Phase 2: Balston Road to Hunt Road - Alderney Roundabout to Mannings Heath Road from Spring 2025
Phase 3: Sea View Road to Old Wareham Road Roundabout in 2025/26
Phase 4: Old Wareham Road Roundabout to Mannings Heath Road in 2025/26
We're told the work will connect existing sustainable travel routes into Poole, Wallisdown, Talbot Woods and Bournemouth, with future plans for the route to link all the way to Ferndown and Wimborne.
Councillor Andy Hadley, Portfolio Holder for Climate Response, Environment and Energy at BCP Council, said:
“Ringwood Road in Poole is one of our region’s busiest roads with traffic volumes at saturation point. It’s a key travel route serving several business and retail parks, two hospitals, Bournemouth University, Arts University Bournemouth, many primary and secondary schools and Poole town centre.
“These ambitious and major improvements will transform travel options and improve journeys for everyone, connecting people to key destinations through sustainable, modern infrastructure.
“The new bus lanes will help bus services run reliably and efficiently, and the new and improved walking, wheeling and cycling facilities will help children, students, the local workforce and residents travel to and from school, university, work and the town centre safely.
“Collectively these measures will encourage more people to walk, wheel or use public transport, freeing up the roads for those that really need to use them.
“We’re proud this major financial investment from central government will help us tackle climate change by reducing local traffic congestion, improving air quality and promoting healthier lifestyles.
“I’d like to thank everyone in advance for their patience while this major work is undertaken and look forward to the long term environmental, health and economic benefits these travel improvements will bring to the whole community.”
We can find out more about the plans at public information drop-in events from 2.00pm to 7.00pm on Wednesday 14th August and Wednesday 18th September at The Newtown, 374 Ringwood Road, Poole, BH12 3LT.
Richard Wade, Morebus general manager said:
“We are excited by the prospect of this project being completed. It is testament to our excellent partnership with BCP Council, which has also led to route improvements, a new fleet of low emissions buses, and an increase in the number of passengers travelling with us across the region.
“Crucially, this latest initiative will give our buses priority over other traffic - much of which includes single occupancy vehicles. This, in turn, will help reduce congestion across our area.
“There will be no gain without pain during the construction period, but we have dates in the diary to engage with our partners at BCP Council to ensure delays to buses are mitigated - and we will be sure to feed information back as the scheme progresses.
“We urge car users to avoid sitting in traffic that they are part of, if other modes of transport can work. Travelling by bus allows work and other tasks to be completed whilst on the move, saving time in the office.
“Active travel comes with many health benefits and is an excellent opportunity to exercise - even for those with limited time. Both of these travel choices avoid contributing to additional congestion - which affects our local economy adversely.”