HAREWOOD Avenue, near Kings Park, is due to close for one month and will see a 20mph speed limit extended as part of safety improvements.

Work will begin on the construction of a new, raised toucan crossing from July 26. The closure will run until August 27 and has been set during the school holidays to minimise disruption to local traffic.

The closure will affect the section of Harewood Avenue between the roundabout junction with Littledown Avenue and Harewood Crescent, to just before the entrance of Avonbourne Academy.

The new toucan crossing will be positioned near to the roundabout, with the existing crossing and speed cushions further south east being removed. The extension of the 20mph zone will cover all arms of the roundabout.

Cllr Mike Greene, portfolio holder for transport, said: “The installation of the new toucan crossing and an extension to the existing 20mph speed limit on the avenue will have wide benefits for our community.

“As well as creating important links within our Transforming Travel sustainable transport network, they will improve safety for students, parents and teachers at Avonbourne Academy as well as for cyclists and walkers going into and out of Kings Park.”

During this time, through traffic will be asked to take an alternative route via Littledown Avenue, Holdenhurst Road, Ashley Road and Christchurch Road.

The Yellow Bus service 33 will also be diverted during this time.

The work is part of BCP Councils’ Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) grant, which will see a new 8km sustainable travel route between Bournemouth railway station and Jumpers Common in Christchurch. The route will pass through Kings Park, providing new separate cycling and walking lanes and upgraded lighting.