September start for works on major road in Dorset

An artist impression of the planned improvements shows a new bus and cycle track

Major works on a road used by thousands of cars each day are due to begin in September.

The works on Ringwood Road in Poole, Dorset, include installing bus lanes, a cycle track and 2.8 miles (4.5km) of resurfacing between Hunt Road and Mountbatten Roundabout.

Due to begin on 2 September, the improvements are part of a £17.5m scheme to make the road safer and reduce congestion.

The Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council scheme is being funded by a grant from the government’s Transforming Cities Fund.

Andy Hadley, the council's lead on climate response, environment and energy, said: “These ambitious and major improvements will transform travel options and improve journeys for everyone, connecting people to key destinations through sustainable, modern infrastructure.

“Collectively, these measures will encourage more people to walk, wheel or use public transport, freeing up the roads for those that really need to use them."

'Inevitable disruption'

Among the changes being made are two new bus lanes, 23 side-road junction enhancements and reconstruction of Sea View Road junction.

A new two-way cycle track and 1.1 miles (1.8km) of new pavement will also be put in place in the first phase of the scheme.

Work on the section of road between Alderney and Mountbatten roundabouts is expected to last until Spring 2025.

The fourth and final phase of work is expected to finish in 2026.

In a statement, the council said it would "inevitably cause disruption", adding that the authority would "do all that it can to minimise the impact of the roadworks".

Public drop-in events about the scheme are being held from 14:00 to 19:00 BST at The Newtown venue in Poole on 14 August and 18 September.