Dorset LEP secures £1.6m for highways improvements

The Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has secured £1.6m through the Local Growth Fund for transport improvements between Bournemouth and Poole.

The money, along with £313,400 from BCP Council will be used to fund major improvements around the Boundary Roundabout, which lies between the two coastal resorts.

The improvements include major changes to the roundabout’s four road approaches and the installation of new crossings, footways and cycle paths will ensure safer and more effective traffic flow and journeys for all road users across this economically important transport route.

Work at the roundabout, delivered by BCP Council, is due to start in summer 2020 and complete by spring 2021. It will involve the installation of a ‘continental style roundabout’ including:

• Reducing the size of the roundabout and amending the geometry on its approaches and exits to decrease approach, exit and circulatory traffic speeds;
• The installation of a combined off-road footway and cycleway around the roundabout;
• The installation of toucan crossings on Talbot Avenue, Wallisdown Road and Boundary Road and retaining the parallel crossing on Gillett Road;
• Widening the footway to five metres on the north side of Talbot Avenue to create a combined footway and cycleway linking up with facilities at Talbot roundabout;
• Resurfacing the carriageways and footways and replacing kerbing;
• The installation of street furniture, improved lighting, grass, planting and trees.

‘The investment in Boundary Roundabout future proofs a prime economic corridor linking Bournemouth and Poole,’ said LEP chair, Jim Stewart.

‘It carries around 24,000 vehicles a day and is also a key route for university students with approximately 7,000 pedestrians and 750 cyclists negotiating this busy roundabout daily during term time.

‘We are proud to have secured funding for this major strategic investment which will ensure more reliable and safer journeys, support our two economically important universities and boost sustainable economic growth and productivity.’

Photo Credit — Dorset LEP