WORK to improve cyclist and pedestrian safety has started at a busy Poole junction, weeks ahead of a major £4.3 million engineering scheme.

Borough of Poole (BOP) contractors have started on the improvements at the junction of Dunyeats Road and Gravel Hill, which will eventually boast new pathways connecting Merley to the existing cycle route south of Dunyeats Road.

In addition, two toucan crossings will be introduced - one across Dunyeats Road and the other traversing the northern side of Gravel Hill.

These improvements will be followed by major works to strengthen the embankment along Gravel Hill.

This larger project will also include pavement widening to create a shared footway/cycleway, and upgrading of the Queen Ann Drive junction.

Proposals to get rid of the Dunyeats roundabout were shelved by planning chiefs after widespread public opposition.

When the main project starts later this summer, drivers have been told to expect significant delays.

Indeed, Gravel Hill will eventually close to traffic completely for up to three months during that phase of the upgrade.

On the initial work that started yesterday, BOP transportation cabinet member Cllr Drew Mellor said: “These improvements are part of a much wider co-ordinated programme that will see the A31 to the Port of Poole benefit from significant investment over the next few years.”

The main Gravel Hill works are scheduled to begin on July 24.

BOP engineering manager John Rice said: “This initial work will have a minimal effect on road users and will be completed prior to the main improvement works at Gravel Hill.

“These significant improvements will not only benefit pedestrians and cyclists but will help ease traffic flow along Gravel Hill and traffic into and out of Dunyeats Road and the Crematorium.”

The two toucan crossings being introduced have been designed to provide enhanced safety for cyclists, pedestrians and people visiting the crematorium, a council spokesman explained.

This spokesman added: “There will also be some work to the kerbs helping to improve access from the crematorium improving visibility for drivers.

“The work will take around nine weeks to complete.”