IMPROVEMENTS will be made along a Poole road as construction on the first section of the new sustainable travel route will commence.

Starting on May 16 and funded through the south east Dorset transforming cities fund, the work will mark the start of the 7km green travel route that will link Poole town centre with Merley.

The first part of the project will focus on improvements along Wimborne Road between Serpentine Road and Kings Close.

Work will start at Serpentine Road roundabout with three new parallel crossings on raised tables installed across the roundabout arms, with footways converted to shared use paths for both pedestrians and cyclists.

Temporary four-way traffic lights will be in operation at the roundabout from May 16 for around six weeks. 

During the summer school holidays the work will move to Garland Road to allow the installation of a zebra crossing at the junction with Joliffe Road and a parallel crossing at the junction with St Mary’s Road.

Temporary traffic signals will be required for these works.

At the end of the summer holidays work will recommence at the Serpentine Road junction with completion of these works anticipated for the end of November.

Read more: Road works along Wimborne Road in Ferndown set to start

The installation of the new cycle lanes on both sides of Wimborne Road between Heckford Road and New Inn junction is scheduled to start early next year.

Cllr Mike Greene, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for transport and sustainability said: “This is an important route in our transforming cities fund network which, once completed, will facilitate safe, sustainable journeys between Merley and Poole town centre. 

“It will also connect into the new TCF green travel route currently being built between Gravel Hill and Bear Cross roundabout, which itself links into sustainable travel routes east to Christchurch and north to Ferndown and Wimborne.

“This will allow more people to choose a safe, alternative form of transport such as walking, cycling, scooting or taking a bus, which will in turn encourage more people to leave the car at home, particularly for short journeys. 

“This will free up space on our crowded roads for those that still need to drive, as well as bringing associated environmental, health and economic benefits.”