WORK to install new pedestrian crossings, upgrade the layout and install a new set of pre-phased traffic lights in Ferndown has been completed.

Dorset Council has confirmed the work on the new junction of Ringwood Road with Casterbridge Road in Ferndown were finished on schedule.

It is designed to help traffic flow at the junction as well as to provide a safe pedestrian and cycling crossing point.

The work is part of the current Ringwood Road sustainable transport improvements project which is itself part of a new 27km sustainable travel route linking Ferndown and Wimborne to Poole Town Centre.

This route also links into a network of 78km of new cycling, walking and bus service improvements across the south east Dorset region, which is being paid for by the £102m south east Dorset Transforming Cities Fund programme.

Councillor Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s portfolio holder for Highways, Travel and Environment said: “Ferndown is a much-loved residential area and we want to make it a safe residential area.

“Over 19,000 vehicles use Ringwood Road everyday including a large number of heavy goods vehicles. This can make it a difficult road to cross.

“This new junction and crossing will enhance safety for residents in the area as well as to improve the traffic flow along the road.”