The closure takes in the section of road between the roundabout junction with Littledown Avenue / Harewood Crescent, to just before the entrance to Avonbourne Academy.

This is to facilitate the work on the first phase of Kings Park sustainable transport and safety improvements. The closure has been set during the school holidays to minimise disruption to local traffic.

Work will begin on the construction of a new, raised toucan crossing and an extension to the existing 20mph speed limit on Harewood Avenue near Kings Park, adjacent to Avonbourne Academy, from 26 July 2021.

The new toucan crossing will be positioned near to the roundabout which will be a better, safer location for the school and the entrance to Kings Park.  The existing crossing and speed cushions further south east on Harewood Avenue, will be removed. The extension of the 20mph zone will cover all arms of the roundabout onto Harewood Avenue, Littledown Avenue and Harewood Crescent.

The work, paid for through BCP and Dorset councils’ Transforming Cities Fund (TCF1) grant, forms the first part of a new 8km sustainable travel route between Bournemouth railway station and Jumpers Common in Christchurch. The route will pass through Kings Park and will provide new separate cycling and walking lanes as well as upgraded lighting for added safety and security.

Cllr Mike Greene, BCP Council’s portfolio holder for Transport and Sustainability said: “The installation of the new toucan crossing and an extension to the existing 20mph speed limit on the avenue have wide benefits for our community.  As well as creating important links within our Transforming Travel sustainable transport network, they will improve safety for students, parents and teachers at Avonbourne Academy as well as for cyclists and walkers going into and out of Kings Park.”

During the closure, through traffic will be asked to take an alternative route via Littledown Avenue, Holdenhurst Road, Ashley Road and Christchurch Road.

The Yellow Bus service 33 will also be diverted during this time.

Outbound route will change to:
Littledown Avenue > around the roundabout > Littledown Avenue > Holdenhurst Road  > Wessex Way > Royal Bournemouth Hospital > back to normal line of route.

Inbound route will change to:
Royal Bournemouth Hospital > Wessex Way > Littledown avenue > around the roundabout > Littledown Avenue > back to normal line of route.