Whitelegg Way in Bournemouth is to re-open to two-way traffic from 29 November, with the new cycleways in operation.

However, that is by no means the end of disruption in the area as work is set to start on a new controlled crossing, walking and cycle paths and a raised table crossing close to Redhill roundabout.

From 29 November until 11 March next year there will be a new diversion for a road closure on the service road on the east side of Wimborne Road and its junction with Whitelegg Way. It is anticipated that the diversion will be removed between 23 December and 3 January.

The next phase of work, due to complete mid-March 2022, includes:

• A 4-metre-wide toucan crossing across Whitelegg Way close to Redhill roundabout.
• A raised table crossing – a traffic calming measure – across the junction where Old Road (east side of Wimborne Road) meets Whitelegg Way. This includes new shared use paths across adjoining side roads, with new shared use paths to allow eastbound cyclists access to the road.
• New cycle and walking paths either side of Whitelegg Way from Redhill Roundabout up to Wimborne Road slip road.
• Removal of the left-turn from Wimborne Road onto Whitelegg Way to reduce waiting times for buses, cars and cyclists.  There will be a dedicated waiting space for cyclists at the junction, as well as a head start for cyclists before vehicles when lights turn green.
• New bus stop shelters and real time information displays along Wimborne Road slip road.

Changes already made to Whitelegg Way so far include:

• New, dedicated (segregated from traffic) cycle lanes along both sides of Whitelegg Way between Northbourne Roundabout up to the Wimborne Road slip road
• The reduction of the speed limit along Whitelegg Way from 40mph to 30mph
• Upgrading and relocating the existing crossing closer to Northbourne Roundabout with new walking and cycling links into Wimborne Road.
• Upgrading the street lighting.
• Resurfacing the carriageway.
• Upgrading the traffic signs.

Cllr Mike Greene, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for transport and sustainability, said: “I’m pleased to see good progress being made on the sustainable travel improvements along Whitelegg Way, which will eventually form part of a 13km sustainable travel link between Merley and Christchurch, creating alternative travel options, particularly for short journeys along this route. Our aim as a council, and through our Transforming Travel programme, is to reduce traffic congestion by offering safe, fast, and reliable active travel choices. Just one trip by bike, bus or walking means one fewer car on the road, freeing up space for those that do need to drive. Coupled with obvious clean air benefits, this is good news for everyone, however they choose to travel.”

BCP Council says it apologises in advance for the inevitable delays and inconvenience these works will bring and is doing all that it can to minimise the disruption, including the planned removal of the diversion over the Christmas period.

The changes to Whitelegg Way are the first of several phases of work planned for the 13km sustainable travel route linking Merley (Poole) and Christchurch. Further work will be taking place off both Redhill and Northbourne roundabouts in 2022.