A BUSY roundabout in Bournemouth is to be made smaller as part of a £1.5 million project aimed at making it safer.

Roadworks at Boundary Roundabout will start on Monday to allow trees to be cut down.

This will be followed in the spring with the construction of the new roundabout, new crossings and improvements to footpaths and cycleways.

“Our plans for Boundary Roundabout play a vital part in improving our local transport links across the three towns,” cabinet member for transport, councillor Andy Hadley said. “This area is an accident blackspot, especially for collisions involving people on bikes.

“With over 24,000 vehicles using Wallisdown Road daily, the development will make this route safer and more viable for all road users, at an important location for a more accessible travel around our local area.”

Several incidents have been reported at the roundabout.

In September, a cyclist suffered life-changing injuries after getting stuck beneath a car following a collision.

Roadworks are due to start on Monday and last for three or four days, traffic management will be in place between 9.30am and 3.30pm on these days while trees are removed.

The council said these would be replaced around the edge of the new roundabout.

Cllr Hadley added: “I have been assured that the treework is essential, and that more trees of similar species will be planted to replace those being removed.

“Improving sustainable transport options at this key location is also part of our climate emergency commitments.

“We are aware there will be a disruption to residents and everyone who travels through this area while these preliminary improvements take place, and we want to thank everyone for their patience.”

These works will be followed by the start of the main project in the spring.

It is hoped the new, smaller roundabout will reduce speeds while new crossings will be installed on Wallisdown Road and Boundary Road to provide safe crossing points for pedestrians and cyclists.

The Talbot Avenue crossing will also be replaced.

Combined footpaths and cycleways will also be introduced with the footpath on the north side of Talbot Avenue widened.

The council is seeking expressions of interests from companies to take on the project with a deadline set for February 17.

It has estimated the value of the contract at £1.5 million.