A NEW off-road cycle route is to be built from Burton School to the Grange School to improve access for cyclists.

Pupils travelling from Burton Primary School to the Grange School in Christchurch will soon benefit from an off-road cycle route as part of the Three Towns Travel project.

Dorset County Council was due to start work yesterday to widen the pavement to 2.5m between the A35 bridge and Redvers Road, on the eastern side of Burton Road.

There will also be improved crossing points on Everest Road, Redvers Road and on Burton Road, one south of Redvers Road and one south of Bingham Road.

Cllr Peter Finney, cabinet member for highways and transportation said: “This is the first of three cycle schemes we have proposed for Christchurch as part of the Three Towns Travel project, the other schemes being on Somerford Road and Barrack Road.

“As part of the project, we will also be looking to improve two busy junctions in the town to make it safer for pedestrians and cyclists.

“We want to give Christchurch residents more travel choices, and make it easier for them to leave the car at home and walk, cycle or catch the bus for work, school and leisure.”

The two junction schemes being implemented will add signals to the Stour Road junction with Bargates to improve traffic flow and also put one-way signals at the Stoney Lane railway bridge.