THE first phase of work to improve a major Poole road is progressing well and the second phase, which will cause more disruption, is soon to start.

Improvements to Ashley Road at Parkstone have centred around work to pedestrian, cycling and traffic around the junction with Mansfield Road.

It includes renewing kerb lines, carriageway and footpath surfacing to make crossing easier for disabled people and those with buggies or pushchairs.

Cycling routes have been improved, traffic signals replaced with low voltage and energy efficient equipment and the banned left turn for vehicles from Mansfield Road into Ashley Road removed.

The next part of the £1million improvements, part of the Three Towns Travel project, involves resurfacing the junction and installing new signal equipment.

So far there has not been much disruption to road users however to allow pedestrians to safely cross the junction while the new work takes place, additional temporary traffic controls will be in place during the week beginning March 31.

Borough of Poole is warning that there may be additional congestion at peak times as the junction will have reduced capacity. Mansfield Road will also be closed to all traffic during April 3 and 4.

John Rice, engineering manager, Borough of Poole, said: “These works are moving on at a pace and local people should soon see some initial improvements to Ashley Road.

“However, we recognise that there will be some disruption to road users during the next phase of works and would like to thank drivers for their patience while these improvements are carried out.”

The next phase of the rolling programme of works on Ashley Road involves improvements to the Richmond Road junction, where work is planned to start on Monday April 14.

More work along Ashley Road will be carried out in the autumn.