WORK to create a new crossing at an entrance to King's Park has been completed on time, the council has confirmed.

Phase one of the King's Park transforming cities fund (TCF) project, which involved creating a new crossing in Harewood Avenue near Avonbourne Academy, is now complete.

The work has created a new raised toucan crossing near the roundabout junction with Littledown Avenue and Harewood Crescent.

The project has also extended the existing 20mph speed limit to cover the new crossing and the approaches to the roundabout.

Councillor Mike Greene, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for transport and sustainability, said: “The installation of this new toucan crossing and extension of the speed limit is of benefit to our community as it will provide a better, safer crossing for the pupils at Avonbourne Academy.

“The crossing also forms part of our wider Kings Park transforming travel project, which itself is a section of the planned 8km long sustainable transport route that will eventually link Bournemouth railway station and Jumpers Common, Christchurch.”

Phase two of the Kings Park TCF project (Ashley Road to Harewood Avenue) is due to start in autumn 2021.

It will include a new cycle path between the Vitality Stadium and Harewood Avenue, a raised crossing over King’s Park Drive, a new two-way cycle path alongside Kings Park Bowling Green, new lighting, new wayfinding signs and relocation of disabled parking spaces.

The final phase three of the Kings Park project from Harewood Avenue to Sevenoaks Drive is scheduled to begin in spring 2022 and finish in Autumn 2022.