New walking and cycling bridge to be built in Bournemouth
The route will go across the railway line at Glenferness Avenue
Last updated 2nd Apr 2024
A new walking and cycling bridge is to be built in Bournemouth, as planning permission's now been approved.
BCP Council is set to create the new bridge to the west of the road bridge, while to the east, the existing footbridge will be replaced with a wider bridge for both cyclists and walkers.
The changes won't affect the road bridge itself.
It's hoped the plans will make it safer for people, instead of using the narrow bridge that's over a century old.
Councillor Mike Greene, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for transport and sustainability, said:
“We are pleased that our planning application for this much-needed work has been approved. The new bridges will provide a separate, safe space for people to walk and cycle across the railway line away from traffic.
“The current bridge is over 120 years old and was designed for the traffic of the day. This is a busy and important route connecting the town to Winton, Wallisdown and Bournemouth University campus and the new bridges will greatly improve walking and cycling connectivity to a wide variety of local destinations.
“These improvements, which have been carefully and sensitively designed to preserve the character of this conservation area, will dramatically improve safety for all users, future proofing the way people travel as well as encouraging active, sustainable journeys to work, education and leisure.”
What's actually planned?
The work's due to start in Autumn 2023 and will include:
- A new 4m wide shared use walking and cycling bridge on the western side of the road bridge
- Replacement of the existing footbridge on the eastern side of the road bridge with a new 4m wide pedestrian and cycle bridge
- The new bridges will include separate space for walkers and cyclists, with painted lines
- The cycle ramp walls will be constructed using red bricks to match the existing road bridge, with dark green bridge parapets and mesh infill to maximise light and visibility for users
It's being paid for through the south east Dorset Transforming Cities Fund.
The new cycle and footbridges will link in with a series of sustainable travel improvements proposed along Glenferness Avenue including new protected cycle tracks and new parallel and toucan crossings.
They form part of the new 14km sustainable travel route between Bournemouth town centre and Ferndown, which aims to reduce congestion, improve air quality and promote active lifestyles.