With work due to start on 16 May on a seven-kilometre green travel route on Wimborne Road, Poole, motorists are warned to allow extra time for their journeys.

The first part of the project will focus on improvements along Wimborne Road between Serpentine Road and Kings Close.

Work will start at Serpentine Road roundabout with three new parallel crossings on raised tables installed across the roundabout arms, with footways converted to shared use paths for both pedestrians and cyclists.

There will also be some new trees planted.

Temporary four-way traffic lights will be in operation at the roundabout from 16 May for around six weeks and traffic disruption is anticipated.

During the summer school holidays the work will move to Garland Road to allow the installation of a zebra crossing at the junction with Jolliffe Road and a parallel crossing at the junction with St Mary’s Road.

This is being timed so that this work, which is in close proximity to Longfleet Primary School, can be completed whilst it is closed.

Temporary traffic signals will be required for these works.

At the end of the summer holidays, work will recommence at the Serpentine Road junction with completion of these works anticipated for the end of November.

The installation of the new cycle lanes on both sides of Wimborne Road between Heckford Road and New Inn junction is scheduled to start early next year.

Work also includes the installation of some new bus shelters and relocating and improving bus stop layouts.

“This is an important route in our Transforming Cities Fund network which, once completed, will facilitate safe, sustainable journeys between Merley and Poole town centre,” said Cllr Mike Greene, BCP’s portfolio holder for Transport and Sustainability. ‘It will also connect into the new TCF green travel route currently being built between Gravel Hill and Bear Cross roundabout, which itself links into sustainable travel routes east to Christchurch and north to Ferndown and Wimborne.

“This will allow more people to choose a safe, alternative form of transport such as walking, cycling, scooting or taking a bus, which will in turn encourage more people to leave the car at home, particularly for short journeys. This will free up space on our crowded roads for those that still need to drive, as well as bringing associated environmental, health and economic benefits.”