MAJOR safety improvements are planned for a busy junction in Poole which is crossed by more than 400 children and pedestrians every day.

The four-way junction where Fernside Road intersects with Hunt Road and St Mary’s Road is set to undergo significant upgrades to improve safety for school children and pedestrians using the junction as well as improve traffic flow.

The site is a close distance to several schools, including St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Longfleet Primary School, Oakdale Junior School and Poole High School.

Road closures, traffic lights and diversions will be expected throughout the development – which is due to start on Monday, February 21, with an aim to complete in April.

Bournemouth Echo: Plans for Fernside Road. Picture: BCP CouncilPlans for Fernside Road. Picture: BCP Council

Work at the junction is funded through Dorset’s Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) programme.

Specific work includes:

  • Installing new toucan crossings (with space for both people walking and cycling to cross at the same time) on all arms of the four-way junction
  • Constructing dropped kerbs before and after all crossing points to allow people on bikes to cycle from the road to the crossings
  • Resurfacing the carriageway and pavements
  • Installing additional wayfinding signs along St Mary’s Road

Councillor Mike Greene, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for transport and sustainability said: “Over 400 crossings are made by children and pedestrians at this busy junction every day.

“We’re really pleased to be installing toucan crossings on all four roads at this junction which will make a tremendous difference, ensuring children and people can walk and cycle safely across the roads. The improvements to the road signals will also result in better traffic flow.

“We hope everyone walking, cycling and driving in this area will benefit from safer, improved journeys as a result of these improvements.”

Bournemouth Echo: Pedestrian crossing Hunt Road, Poole. Picture: BCP CouncilPedestrian crossing Hunt Road, Poole. Picture: BCP Council

Temporary traffic management measures will be in place at times during the works. These are:

Road closures:

  • Hunt Road at its junction with Fernside Road: February 21 to 26
  • St Mary’s Road at its junction with Fernside Road: February 28 to March 5
  • Fernside Road, and the St Mary’s Road and Hunt Road side roads: March 26 and 27

Traffic lights:

  • Traffic cones and temporary traffic lights will be used as required at the Fernside Road, St Mary’s Road and Hunt Road junction: March 6 to 25.

Residents, businesses and schools affected by road closures will be notified beforehand.

A public consultation on the Fernside Road plans was held from May 10 to June 14 last year.