CONSTRUCTION is set to begin on the first section of the 7km green travel route linking Poole town centre and Merley.

Work will begin in May on the new sustainable travel facilities along Wimborne Road in Poole and will see the installation of new crossings, new cycle lanes and new bus shelters.

The work is being undertaken by BCP Council and is part of the £100m south east Dorset transforming cities fund programme.

Improvements along Wimborne Road between Serpentine Road and Kings Close include improving the Serpentine Road roundabout with three new parallel crossings on raised tables, with footways converted for shared use between pedestrians and cyclists.

There will also be new cycle lanes on both sides of Wimborne Road, between Heckford Road and New Inn junction, protected from the carriageway by a kerb.

New parallel and toucan crossings will be installed at the Tatnam Road junction with Garland Road and a new zebra crossing will be installed in Garland Road.

A pedestrian crossing will be installed north of the Sherrin Close junction with Winterbourne Road.

This first phase of work will start at the Serpentine Road Roundabout on May 16.

Improvements at the New Inn junction in Wimborne Road will take place next year, including a dedicated space for cyclists, widening of pavements and left turns from Fernside Road into Wimborne Road could be banned.

A combination of traffic lights and temporary road closures will be in place.

Councillor Mike Greene, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for transport and sustainability, said: “We are pleased to be investing in safe, sustainable ways of travelling to and from Poole town centre along this busy road. 

“The new cycle, walking and bus infrastructure improvements on Wimborne Road provide quick, safe and easy ways of travelling to and from key residential and business areas, and local schools.

“The improvements along Wimborne Road will connect into the wider sustainable travel route along Darbys Lane and Canford Heath Road to Gravel Hill creating a continuous link between central Poole and Merley. 

“They form part of our commitment to transforming local travel which will reduce road congestion and pollution, improve air quality and bring economic and health benefits.”