MAJOR work will begin on a new cycling route along Ringwood Road in Ferndown next month.

The eco-travel project will take place in three phases and involves the construction of a new 3.2km cycle and walking route and bus improvements along Ringwood Road between Longham mini roundabouts and Tricketts Cross roundabout.

Work is set to begin on Monday, November 1, 2021 and will see the speed limit reduced from 40mph to 30mph on the majority of the length of Ringwood Road which will be delivered alongside works.

It will eventually form part of the 27km green travel route linking Ferndown and Wimborne with Poole town centre, which includes the new cycle and walking path currently underway on Leigh Road and Wimborne Road West.

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The first phase of work in Ringwood Road is between Longham Mini Roundabouts and south of Church Road.

Due to complete around late April 2022, the work is being undertaken by Dorset Council and is part of the £100m+ south east Dorset Transforming Cities Fund programme, a joint project between Dorset Council and BCP Council.

Phase one improvements include upgrading the existing footway to a 3m cycle and walking path between Pompeys Lane and Longacre Drive.

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The existing central island near Woodland Avenue will be widened providing a safe crossing point over Ringwood Road and access into Holmwood Park development with cycle signage through to Christchurch Road.

Six bus stop locations along the route will be upgraded, including accessibility improvements.

The pedestrian footway and crossing point at St Just Close will be improved.

The redundant speed camera on Ringwood Road, near Clifton Gardens, will be removed.

The Ringwood Road/Casterbridge Road signal-controlled junction will be improved and provide enhanced facilities for pedestrians.

The junctions of side roads on the west side of Ringwood Road will be revised giving more priority to people walking and cycling.

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The existing footpath at the Church Road junction linking to Brabourne Avenue will be widened and converted to a footway/cycle route.

Improvements between Longacre Drive and Church Road will take place as part of phase three works.

Phase two work (provisional start/end construction dates: May 2022 to January 2023) on Ringwood Road between Penny’s Hill Junction (Victoria Road/New Road) and Tricketts Cross are still under design.

While phase three work Church Road and Penny’s Hill Junction is still under design and subject to further public consultation in early 2022.

To minimise traffic disruption and maximise efficiencies, construction will be undertaken in 400m sections.

Traffic will be managed with a mix of traffic lights and stop/go boards with a reduced 30mph speed limit in place.

Councillor Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for highways, travel and environment said: “South East Dorset is one of the most congested regions in the country. Over 19,000 vehicles use Ringwood Road every day including a large number of heavy goods vehicles. We need to provide alternative ways for people to get to work, education, the shops or leisure, particularly for shorter journeys.

“One of the main reasons preventing people from cycling is traffic safety concerns and there is currently limited safe cycling provision on this busy road. This dedicated cycling and walking space will address this issue, creating more of a neighbourhood community road and helping residents enjoy the area more by foot, bike, scooter, mobility scooter and wheelchair.

“The improvements will transform local travel, help to reduce road congestion and pollution, improve air quality and bring economic and health benefits.”