A £1 million scheme to improve pedestrian, cycling and traffic facilities on Ashley Road in Parkstone is now complete.
Major improvement works have been carried out along this busy main road over the last 15 months, as part of the Three Towns Travel project.
The improvements include:
- separate parking and bus lay-bys so buses can stop without interrupting traffic flow;
- two new bus stops and bus stop shelters in the vicinity of the Co-op and the Conservative Club offering integral seating and real-time information displays;
- a new centrally located and upgraded signal controlled pedestrian crossing and two pedestrian refuge (island) crossings;
- removal of unnecessary signs and street furniture, wider pavements and new landscaping with some trees.
Julian McLaughlin, Head of Transportation Services, Borough of Poole, said: “The £1 million improvement scheme at Ashley Road completes the Three Towns Travel programme in Poole.
Over the last three years, we have spent £3.63 million on six improvement schemes in the borough.
“We appreciate there has been some disruption to the local community during this period but businesses, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists are now reaping the benefits of these schemes which has made sustainable travel easier, safer and more attractive for those travelling in and around Poole.
“Over 1,000 people responded to the public engagement and consultation and we would like to thank them for their input in helping to shape and choose the schemes that have been delivered on Ashley Road. We would also like to thank Leonard Cheshire Disability Trust who helped us to ensure the improvements are accessible.”
To coincide with the completion of this scheme, Borough of Poole is bringing forward essential road resurfacing work at other locations along Ashley Road.
Ashley Road will remain open throughout the resurfacing works but some side roads will be closed for short periods. The junctions of Edward Road and Jubilee Road with Ashley Road will be temporarily closed on Sunday 26 April whilst the adjacent section of Ashley Road is resurfaced. The junctions of Chatworth Road, Kipling Road, Cranbrook Road and North Road will also be temporarily closed on Wednesday 29 April to carry out resurfacing work from outside Harbour View Court to just past the junction of Cranbrook Road.
Stop/go boards will be in operation to manage the traffic flow along Ashley Road whilst the work is carried out.
John Rice, Engineering Manager, Borough of Poole, said: “We undertake surveys once a year to assess the condition and structural integrity of all Poole roads. Resurfacing work at these locations is on our maintenance priority list. We have co-ordinated the resurfacing with the main improvement works, minimising the impact on local businesses, residents and road users. We would like to thank everyone in advance for their patience while these final improvements are carried out.”
