WORK on the next part of BCP and Dorset Councils’ sustainable travel routes will start this month – and not be finished until summer 2022.

The new travel route will be installed in two phases, starting at Rigler Road in Poole, and will be funded by the councils’ transforming cities fund.

The first phase will start in mid-August, BCP Council confirmed, and will be completed by late November.

It will see cycle lane “separators” installed along the existing cycle lanes on both sides of Rigler Road from the Eccles Road junction to Twin Sails bridge.

A new shared use path will be constructed from Rigler Road through the Holes Bay regeneration site between Eccles Road and Blandford Road and around the Hamworthy Recreation Ground.

It will link with the existing bridleway from the BMX track and Hamworthy Allotments which will be tarmacked up to Blandford Close near Cornerstone Academy.

The existing path on Rigler Road will be locally widened at the existing refuge island to link to the new shared use path.

Very minimal impact on traffic is expected during these works, the council said.

Phase two is estimated to start in spring 2022, lasting until summer 2022.

The existing bridleway behind Cornerstone Academy linking to Hinchcliffe Road will be upgraded with a tarmacked surface and improved drainage.

There will also be junction improvements at Blandford Close.

Councillor Mike Greene, portfolio holder for transport and sustainability at BCP Council, said: “The start of construction on another sustainable travel route in south east Dorset shows our region’s commitment to changing how people are able to travel locally, now and for generations to come.

“The reality of our ambitions is coming to life with this latest work enabling green travel in Poole.

“I am really excited about the progress we are making to transform local travel, helping to address not only congestion and provide healthy ways of making journeys.

“What is particularly good about this first section is that we have been able to make use of some existing bridleways and footpaths, away from the main road, in order to create traffic free sections of the new sustainable transport route. This will give a safer, cleaner cycle and pedestrian lane for the users, which will eventually form part of an 11km green travel route.”