WORK is set to start on the second phase of a brand-new cycle lane development between two roundabouts in Bournemouth.

With two brand new cycle lanes nearing completion on Whitelegg Way as part of BCP Council’s sustainable travel programme, work is set to start on a new controlled crossing, walking and cycle paths and a raised table crossing close to Redhill roundabout.

Whitelegg Way will be open to two-way traffic with the new cycleways in operation and the diversion along Wimborne Road to Northbourne roundabout removed from November 29.

It will be replaced by a new diversion for a road closure on the service road on the east side of Wimborne Road and its junction with Whitelegg Way covering the next phase of work.

Bournemouth Echo: Plans for new cycleway along Whitelegg Way in Bournemouth. Picture: BCP Council Plans for new cycleway along Whitelegg Way in Bournemouth. Picture: BCP Council

BCP Council has said it apologises in advance for the “inevitable delays and inconvenience” the works will bring.

The new diversion will run from November 29, 2021, to March 11, 2022. It is anticipated that the diversion will be removed between December 23, 2021, and January 3, 2022.

The next phase of work, due to complete mid-March 2022, includes:

  • A four-metre-wide toucan crossing across Whitelegg Way.
  • A raised table crossing – a traffic calming measure – across the junction where Old Road (east side of Wimborne Road) meets Whitelegg Way.
  • New cycle and walking paths either side of Whitelegg Way from Redhill Roundabout up to Wimborne Road slip road.
  • Removal of the left-turn from Wimborne Road onto Whitelegg Way to reduce waiting times for buses, cars and cyclists.
  • New bus stop shelters.

Councillor Mike Greene, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for transport and sustainability, said: “I’m pleased to see good progress being made on the sustainable travel improvements along Whitelegg Way, which will eventually form part of a 13km sustainable travel link between Merley and Christchurch, creating alternative travel options, particularly for short journeys along this route.

“Our aim as a council, and through our Transforming Travel programme, is to reduce traffic congestion by offering safe, fast, and reliable active travel choices. Just one trip by bike, bus or walking means one fewer car on the road, freeing up space for those that do need to drive.

“Coupled with obvious clean air benefits, this is good news for everyone, however they choose to travel.”

The changes to Whitelegg Way are the first of several phases of work planned for the 13km sustainable travel route linking Merley and Christchurch.

Further work will be taking place off both Redhill and Northbourne roundabouts in 2022.