The work to create a new raised toucan crossing has been completed before the end of the school holidays. The closed section of the avenue has been re-opened.

The crossing is in a better, safer location for the school and the entrance to Kings Park. The existing 20mph speed limit has also been extended to cover the new crossing and the approaches to the roundabout.

BCP Council’s portfolio holder for Transport and Sustainability, Cllr Mike Greene, said: “The installation of this new toucan crossing and extension of the speed limit is of benefit to our community as it will provide a better, safer crossing for the pupils at Avonbourne Academy. The crossing also forms part of our wider Kings Park Transforming Travel project, which itself is a section of the planned 8km long sustainable transport route that will eventually link Bournemouth railway station and Jumpers Common, Christchurch.”

Phase two of the Kings Park TCF project (Ashley Road to Harewood Avenue) is due to start in autumn 2021 and will include:

• A new, separate cycle path installed next to the existing footpath between the AFCB Vitality Stadium and Harewood Avenue
• A new informal raised crossing installed over King’s Park Drive between the car park at AFCB Vitality Stadium and Kings Park Bowling Green
• A new separate 3m wide two-way cycle path and 2m wide footpath separated by an area of wildflower planting installed alongside Kings Park Bowling Green
• Installation of new lighting to improve safety and security
• New wayfinding signs
• Disabled parking spaces relocated from the eastern side of Kings Park café closer to the Ashley Road entrance to improve access to the cricket pavilion
• Changing parking bay locations on King’s Park Drive to create safe access along the cycle track through Kings Park

Phase three of the Kings Park project from Harewood Avenue to Sevenoaks Drive is scheduled to begin in spring 2022 and be completed in autumn 2022.