WORK is set to begin to improve cycling and walking routes through Bournemouth's Upper Gardens.

Now cyclists have been warned to be careful and considerate when the works get under way on Monday May 24.

The area is the first section of a new sustainable transport route, which will eventually link Bournemouth town centre to Ferndown.

The existing cycle/footpath through the gardens will be widened and resurfaced where possible and the path will be divided by line markings.

Read more: Diversion route announced ahead of project to create new cycle lanes

Lighting and signage will also be improved during the first phase of the works.

The path, which is on the southern side of the gardens, will be closed for the duration of the works with walkers and cyclists diverted to a parallel path.

Bournemouth Echo: Work is due to begin on Monday May 24 to improve cycling and walking routes in Bournemouth's Upper Gardens

The work is part of BCP and Dorset Councils’ Transforming Cities Fund (TCF)1 programme, is due to be completed by spring 2022.

The second phase of the works is due to start in late 2022 and will include the widening of the existing footway on the eastern side of Prince of Wales Road and Queens Road, creating shared space for pedestrians and cyclists, with new crossing points on both roads.

Read more: New cycle routes: what they will mean for cyclists, motorists and pedestrians

There will also be new crossings on Branksome Wood Road near its junctions with Prince of Wales Road and Queens Road to allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross safely.

Councillor Mike Greene, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability at BCP Council said: "We know this route through the gardens is very popular and I am pleased to see it being upgraded as part of BCP and Dorset Councils’ TCF programme, aimed at creating a modern, sustainable transport network in south east Dorset.

"The benefits of sustainable transport are well proven and it’s our ambition to transform local travel and give people the option to get out and about without having to rely on their cars."

The Upper Gardens stretch is the southernmost section of a major sustainable travel route that will run from Bournemouth town centre to Ferndown.

The route will include new continuous cycle and walking lanes, improvements to bus stops and bus lanes, new technology giving service information updates, new parallel pedestrian and cycling crossings, and walking, cycling and traffic control infrastructure.

Details can be seen at transformingtravel.info