BCP Council are looking for Bournemouth and Christchurch residents to express their views on the new plans to improve travel routes between the two towns.

The new proposals, one of six sustainable travel routes included in BCP and Dorset Council’s Transforming Travel’s proposals, will look to improve walking and cycling routes between Holdenhurst Road in Bournemouth and Jumpers Common to the north of Christchurch.

As well as connecting residential and major employment areas at either end of the route, the proposal includes improvements to the access to a number of other destinations including Bournemouth railway station Royal Bournemouth Hospital and Several schools.

Councillor Mike Greene, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability at BCP Council said: “Our roads are too congested, we are over reliant on cars, particularly for short journeys, yet current sustainable travel options are limited and unappealing.

“These plans will give people safer, quicker and environmentally-friendly travel choices and help facilitate a greener, healthier and better-connected region, supporting both our economy and planet.”

The six proposed sustainable travel routes is being delivered through the Transforming Cities Fund. The project is predominantly being funded by a £79m grant from the DfT Transforming Cities Fund awarded in March 2020, with addition funding coming from local authorities, transport operators and developers.

This additional funding has created a three-year total programme value for south east Dorset of £102 million.

The route will also join up with the Merley in Poole to Christchurch route at Castle Lane East to further improve accessibility across the area.

Dedicated cycle lanes, new pedestrian crossings and wider footways are amongst some of the improvements being considered along the route.

Councillor Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment at Dorset Council added: “The proposed locations for the new connectivity corridors and cycleways mark the start of a remarkable transformation in how we will be able to travel around the region.

“This major £100 million investment in sustainable infrastructure will make walking, cycling and travelling by bus significantly more attractive.

“This is good not only for people’s health and wellbeing, but will also help address congestion hotspots, reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality.”

The council are looking to gather resident’s initial thoughts on the sustainable travel routes ahead of their public consultation which is due to start in early 2021.

If the plans are approved, construction is expected to start next Spring with the improvement to be completed by 2023.