Improvements to cycling and walking routes to help transform travel through Bournemouth’s Upper Gardens are set to get underway.
Work on the first section of a new sustainable transport route, which will eventually link Bournemouth centre to Ferndown, will begin on 24 May 2021 in Upper Gardens, Bournemouth.
The work, part of BCP and Dorset Councils‘ Transforming Cities Fund (TCF)1 programme, is due to be completed by spring 2022. The TCF project in southeast Dorset includes 78km of new cycle and walking routes across the conurbation, improvements to bus infrastructure and service technology, investment in trip-end facilities at employment and education facilities and the introduction of more sustainable forms of transport designed to encourage people to leave the car at home.
TCF is funded largely by the UK Government’s Transforming Cities Fund awarded by the Department of Transport (DfT) but also includes contributions from both councils and local transport and business development organisations. BCP Council and Dorset Council were one of 12 regions in England to secure a share of the government’s Transforming Cities Fund based on its commitment to supporting economic growth through investment in public sustainable transport.
Improvements include:
- widening and resurfacing the existing cycle/footpath through the gardens where possible. The path will be divided between walkers and cyclists by line markings
- lighting upgrades
- improved wayfinding and signage
The main cycling and walking path on the southern side of the gardens will be temporarily closed while works are carried out. A diversion will be marked during the works, running parallel to the existing path in the gardens. Cyclists and walkers are asked to exercise caution and consideration whilst the works are ongoing.
We know this route through the gardens is very popular and I am pleased to see it being upgraded as part of BCP and Dorset Councils’ TCF programme, aimed at creating a modern, sustainable transport network in south east Dorset. The benefits of sustainable transport are well proven and it’s our ambition to transform local travel and give people the option to get out and about without having to rely on their cars
Councillor Mike Greene, BCP Council
The second phase of the Upper Gardens improvement works are due to start late 2022 and will include:
- widening of the existing footway on the eastern side of Prince of Wales Road and Queens Road, creating shared space for pedestrians and cyclists, with new crossing points on both roads
- new crossings on Branksome Wood Road near its junctions with Prince of Wales Road and Queens Road to allow pedestrians and cyclists to cross safely.
The Upper Gardens stretch is the southernmost section of a major sustainable travel route that will run from Bournemouth town centre to Ferndown. The route will include new continuous cycle and walking lanes, improvements to bus stops and bus lanes, new technology giving service information updates, new parallel pedestrian and cycling crossings, and walking, cycling and traffic control infrastructure.
Full details of BCP and Dorset Councils’ Transforming Cities Fund programme can be seen at www.transformingtravel.info
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