Hunger Hill scheme 'progressing well', says Poole council

The work, which forms part of the wider £11.7 million Townside area scheme, is 'progressing well', Poole council says.

Following the switch-over to the new road layout at the beginning of the year, contractors Mildren Construction are now focusing their efforts on the Asda junction. The aim is to provide better and more direct pedestrian crossings to and from the railway station as well as upgraded traffic signals.

Last week temporary traffic lights were installed at the Asda junction, and engineers are continuing to monitor and adjust the lights to accommodate traffic flow. The lights are not linked to the traffic lights at the Hunger Hill junction so drivers have been warned of delays.

The main work is due to finish around May, when all the lights around the Hunger Hill and Asda junctions will be fully synchronised.

In the meantime drainage works are being carried out in front of the Animal building and on the Towngate Bridge central reserve, and work on the Holes Bay central reserve is being completed.

Work has also started on new pedestrian and cycle paths on West Street, which will take around three months to complete. Initially work will take place within the existing lane closure (old northbound lane).

The closure of the entrance to Dear Hay Lane from Hunger Hill will be extended by a further three weeks to enable surfacing and finishing works to be brought forward and completed within the current closure. During this time access to Chapel Lane car park and all other access continues to be from the southern end of Dear Hay Lane, via New Orchard.

Julian McLaughlin, head of growth and infrastructure, said: “We are still on target to complete the main works at Hunger Hill around May. The wider improvements for pedestrians and cyclists as well as improved public spaces, including commissioned art works, making the area a more pleasant environment for residents and visitors, will continue until 2020.”