WORK is well under way on the next section of a major new cycle, walking and bus infrastructure project along a key route connecting Poole to Ferndown.

As part of the Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) investment, Dorset Council is building 4.3km of new road features along Wimborne Road East and West in Ferndown, between Canford Bottom and Trickett’s Cross roundabouts.

This is one of six sustainable travel routes planned as part of the south east Dorset TCF programme.

There is currently a temporary lane closure in place eastbound in Wimborne Road West for 300m from Canford Bottom roundabout which is scheduled to last until March 25.

Bournemouth Echo: Artist impression of Wimborne Road, Stapehill Road and Uddens Drive junction, Ferndown. Picture: Dorset CouncilArtist impression of Wimborne Road, Stapehill Road and Uddens Drive junction, Ferndown. Picture: Dorset Council

This will be followed by closures westbound on Wimborne Road East for 300m from Tricketts Cross roundabout from March 28 to April 14.

Improvements along the 1.5km section of Wimborne Road West between Canford Bottom Roundabout and Cobham Road include:

  • A new 3.5m-wide shared use facility for both walking and cycling installed on the north side of the road.
  • Two bus stop laybys and one regular layby on the north side of the road removed to provide space for the shared path.
  • Upgraded bus stops.
  • Layouts of Stapehill Road and Uddens Drive junctions enhanced and a new signalised crossing point.
  • Cobham Road junction redesigned with new technology. New crossings installed with a segregated cycle and pedestrian crossing over Cobham Road and a pedestrian crossing over Wimborne Road.

Bournemouth Echo: Works from Canford Bottom roundabout to Cobham Road. Picture: Dorset CouncilWorks from Canford Bottom roundabout to Cobham Road. Picture: Dorset Council

Dorset Council is also proposing an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order to formalise the no parking on the verge and footway along Leigh Road/Wimborne Road West from Brook Road to Canford Bottom. This is enforcing the existing no parking arrangement on this stretch of road.

Improvements along the 800m section of Wimborne Road West, between Trickett’s Cross Roundabout and West Moors Road, due to start on March 28 include:

  • Widening and conversion of existing footway on the north side of Wimborne Road East to a 3m-wide shared use facility for both walking and cycling, between Trickett’s Cross Roundabout and Martins Drive. The shared path will have priority over adjoining roads 
  • A new toucan crossing by Trickett’s Cross roundabout, connecting the proposed provision on Ringwood Road to the new shared path.
  • A new central island installed near Woodland Walk.
  • Improvements will be made for pedestrians at the junctions of adjoining roads on the south side of Wimborne Road East, including dropped kerbs and tactile paving.
  • A new two-way cycle track, separated from the existing footpath, between Martins Drive and the western end of the Wimborne Road service road.
  • Upgraded bus stops

Bournemouth Echo: Planned works from Trickett’s Cross Roundabout to West Moors Road. Picture: Dorset CouncilPlanned works from Trickett’s Cross Roundabout to West Moors Road. Picture: Dorset Council

The final phase of work in Wimborne Road between Cobham Road and West Moors Road is anticipated to start following completion of phase one in autumn 2022.

Design work is ongoing for this phase and further information will be provided soon.