Bournemouth | Posted on February 19th, 2026 | return to news

Bournemouth town centre roads to receive major improvements

Work, which has already started in Westover Road and Old Christchurch Road, will continue into early summer.

Two major roads in Bournemouth town centre are being upgraded.

Work has already started in Westover Road and Old Christchurch Road as part of Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council’s Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP).

The works will create wider, more accessible pavements, redesigned pedestrian islands, improved junctions and upgraded bus stop facilities — all aimed at making it easier and safer to travel through the town centre, whether on foot, with wheels or by bus.

These upgrades form part of the council’s wider transformation of the town centre bus network, improving reliability by removing longstanding pinch points.

Following completion of the works, buses will be able to travel in both directions along Old Christchurch Road. A new stop and bus shelter will be provided opposite Lorne Park Road for westbound services, giving improved access for residents in this area.

The scheme will also help reduce illegal parking and will ensure buses can stop more easily alongside the kerb for safer boarding.

The main works focus on Westover Road and Old Christchurch Road, with enabling works taking place until May. There will be a full road closure from Tuesday 5 May to Friday 15 May (inclusive).

Easter enabling works will take place around Madeira Road Roundabout and the front of Lansdowne Roundabout, preparing the area for the main construction phase.

Activities include early kerbing, traffic management installation and junction tie-ins. These short, localised works are separate from the May programme but will be communicated together to help people plan ahead.

From 4–15 May, a continuous full closure will run from O’Neill’s at Lansdowne Roundabout through Old Christchurch Road to just east of Wooton Mount junction.

Resurfacing will take place 18–19 May from Lansdowne Roundabout to 228 Old Christchurch Road, and 20–21 May from 228 Old Christchurch Road to just west of the Madeira Road junction.

On 22 May, resurfacing will take place at the Glen Fern Road and Madeira Road junctions.

During this period, crews will deliver a series of accessibility and layout improvements designed to make buses more reliable and the street easier to use on foot and with wheels:

Redesign and enlargement of the island nearest the roundabout to improve access for wheelchair users, people with prams and mobility aid users.
Construction of a new widened pavement area outside O’Neill’s where buses can stop directly at the kerb, reducing boarding time and improving reliability. A new bus shelter will be provided at this location, with seating, real-time information and CCTV.
Removal of the pedestrian island furthest from Lansdowne Roundabout.
Full replacement and reshaping of kerbs, plus junction improvements to shorten crossing distances and enhance safety.
Drainage and surface adjustments to improve the quality and longevity of the roads.

Pedestrian access will be maintained along at least one side of the street at all times, with stewards on hand at key locations. Diversion routes will be signed, emergency access will be maintained, and temporary bus stop relocations will be clearly communicated with operators in advance.

Within the May programme, Westover Road resurfacing will run from Tuesday 5 May for 10 working days, also under a full carriageway closure, avoiding the need for additional separate closures.

Further town centre bus-related improvement activity at Gervis Place will follow, with a short section from Westover Road to Hinton Road subject to lane closures in early May (around three weeks), maintaining through access, albeit with reduced capacity.

Cllr Andy Hadley, portfolio holder responsible for sustainable travel at BCP Council, said: “These improvements represent a major investment in making our town centre safer, more accessible and easier to move around.

“The changes we’re making from our Bus Service Improvement Grant will help buses run more smoothly, reduce the delays caused by illegal parking, and make it much easier for people to cross the road or board a bus — especially wheelchair users, older residents and people with prams.

“We know works of this scale can be disruptive, which is why we’re telling everyone early and clearly, and ensuring major works avoid starting on the May Bank Holiday.

“These upgrades will bring long-term benefits for residents, businesses and visitors, enhance Bournemouth town centre, and support our wider ambition to make sustainable travel the natural choice.”