Major Roadworks on Ringwood Road Poised to Transform Travel in Poole
In a bid to enhance transportation infrastructure and alleviate congestion, major roadworks on Ringwood Road in Poole, Dorset, are scheduled to commence in September. This significant project, set to begin on 2 September, marks the start of a comprehensive £17.5 million scheme aimed at modernizing one of the region’s busiest roads.
Scope of the Roadworks
The extensive road improvement project will encompass several key upgrades, including the installation of new bus lanes, a dedicated cycle track, and 2.8 miles (4.5 kilometers) of resurfacing. These enhancements are focused on the stretch of Ringwood Road between Hunt Road and Mountbatten Roundabout. The improvements are designed to make travel safer, more efficient, and more environmentally friendly.
Andy Hadley, the Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council’s lead on climate response, environment, and energy, emphasized the transformative nature of the project. “These ambitious and major improvements will transform travel options and improve journeys for everyone,” Hadley said. “Connecting people to key destinations through sustainable, modern infrastructure will encourage more people to walk, wheel, or use public transport, thereby freeing up the roads for those who really need to use them.”
Details of the Upgrades
The Ringwood Road project will introduce several significant changes:
- New Bus Lanes: Two additional bus lanes will be constructed to facilitate smoother and more reliable public transportation.
- Cycle Track: A new two-way cycle track will be established, promoting safer and more accessible cycling routes.
- Resurfacing and Pavements: The project includes 2.8 miles of road resurfacing between Hunt Road and Mountbatten Roundabout, along with 1.1 miles of new pavement.
- Side-Road Junction Enhancements: Twenty-three side-road junctions will be improved to enhance overall traffic flow and safety.
- Sea View Road Junction Reconstruction: The junction at Sea View Road will undergo reconstruction to better accommodate traffic and improve accessibility.
Timeline and Phases
The roadworks are expected to continue through various phases, with the first phase focusing on the section between Alderney and Mountbatten roundabouts. This phase is anticipated to last until Spring 2025, with the entire project projected to be completed by 2026. The council has acknowledged that the roadworks will inevitably cause disruption but is committed to minimizing the impact on local residents and businesses.
Community Engagement and Information
To keep the public informed and address concerns, BCP Council is hosting drop-in events where residents can learn more about the project and its implications. These events will take place at The Newtown venue in Poole on 14 August and 18 September from 14:00 to 19:00 BST.
Funding and Environmental Impact
The £17.5 million project is funded by a grant from the government’s Transforming Cities Fund, aimed at improving urban infrastructure and promoting sustainable transport solutions. This funding underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing transportation networks and supporting local economies through significant infrastructure investments.
Source: BBC
