INVESTIGATION work is set to begin for the newest stage of the major 2.5km series of active travel roadworks from Poole to Christchurch.

Following a public consultation last year, a series of walking, cycling and bus improvements will be made along the key Castle Lane West route in Bournemouth – with work expected to start in spring 2023.

Castle Lane West and other roads will be transformed in a similar vein to the adjoining Whitelegg Way, with new two-way protected cycle lanes, new crossings and resurfacing work among the latest plans.

The work will also include on the A341 Wimborne Road towards Kinson.

Bournemouth Echo: Cycle lanes in Whitelegg Way, A347, in Bournemouth. Picture: Graham Hunt/BNPSCycle lanes in Whitelegg Way, A347, in Bournemouth. Picture: Graham Hunt/BNPS (Image: Daily Echo)

Provisionally, work planned includes:

  • Shared footway, cycleway and new crossings installed around Redhill Roundabout.
  • Existing crossing over Muscliffe Lane to be upgraded to a toucan crossing.
  • New one-way stepped cycle track on both sides of the road. Cycle track to be separated from carriageway by a sloped kerb.
  • Upgrading of crossing points along Castle Lane West.
  • Remodelling of Broadway Roundabout to provide separate spaces for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
  • New trees and landscaping.
  • Pedestrian and cycling improvements around Northbourne Roundabout.

Bournemouth Echo: Traffic builds by Northbourne RoundaboutTraffic builds by Northbourne Roundabout

Some elements of the proposals remain subject to a separate legal process, and a Traffic Regulation Order will be consulted on in due course outlining the following changes:

  • Introducing double yellow lines near the parade of shops by the junction of Castle Lane West and Muscliffe Lane. Three parking spaces would be removed as a result.
  • Double yellow lines on Castle Lane West between Redbreast Road North and Lawford Road to create space for a one-way protected cycle track on both sides.
  • Changes to local access near Northbourne Roundabout.

This work forms part of the government’s Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) scheme, for which BCP Council and Dorset Council were jointly awarded £79m to invest in sustainable transport infrastructure.

Bournemouth Echo: Map showing proposed active travel improvement works from Redhill Roundabout to Broadway RoundaboutMap showing proposed active travel improvement works from Redhill Roundabout to Broadway Roundabout (Image: Transforming Travel)

During the public consultation for the Kinson Roundabout to Northbourne Roundabout section of the plans, just over one third of respondents (34 per cent) strongly agreed with the proposals while just over half (52 per cent) strongly disagreed.

In early November, BCP Council will be carrying out site investigation works in the proposed area to help inform the final design plans.

Temporary traffic lights will be required in some locations to allow crews to safely carry out the works. Notice detailing the exact dates of the works will be installed beforehand.

A public drop-in event will take place on Wednesday, November 9, at Bournemouth Electric Club where residents can meet the project team to ask questions about the scheme.