WORK on a massive £17 million project to improve the Ringwood Road in Poole will get underway next month.
The scheme, which includes resurfacing along the A3049/B3068 Ringwood Road in Poole between Hunt Road and Mountbatten Roundabout, starts on September 2.
Funded by a £17.5 million grant from the government’s Transforming Cities Fund, Ringwood Road will see a range of upgrades to improve safety, encourage active travel and reduce traffic congestion.
The planned improvements include: two new bus lanes, 23 side road junction enhancements, the reconstruction of Sea View Road junction, upgraded bus stop shelters at 19 locations, 4.5km of road resurfacing and 1.8km of improved pavements.
A new 2.7km two-way cycle track will also be installed, along with new and/or improved toucan, zebra and parallel crossings.
The changes 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.”
Richard Wade, general manager of Morebus, said the scheme would make bus travel easier.
“We are excited by the prospect of this project being completed,” he said. “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 while 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.”
The work will be undertaken in phases to minimise disruption. Construction starts on September 2, with completion expected in 2026.
Phase 1 (autumn 2024 to spring 2025):
Sea View Road to Balston Road
Alderney Roundabout to Mountbatten Roundabout
Phase 2 (2025):
Balston Road to Hunt Road
Alderney Roundabout to Mannings Heath Road
Phase 3 (2025/26):
Sea View Road to Old Wareham Road Roundabout
Phase 4 (2025/26):
Old Wareham Road Roundabout to Mannings Heath Road
Drop-in events, where the public can ask questions and find out more about the work, are being held from 2pm to 7pm on Wednesday, August 14 and Wednesday, September 18, at The Newtown, 374 Ringwood Road, Poole.
However, travellers are being warned to expect some disruption during the work, with updates to be provided as they occur.
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