Work on a series of improvements for walkers, wheelers and cyclists is due to start in Poole from next Monday.
It’s expected to lead to a month of disruption as part of Darbys Lane is closed. A signed diversion will be in place.
The work forms part of a sustainable travel route between Poole town centre and Merley.
They’ll also link into the new walking, cycling and bus facilities on Wimborne Road between the New Inn and Serpentine roundabout.
The planned improvements include:
* The widening of a shared use path and vegetation clearance leading to Trigon Bridge.
* Introduction of double yellow lines and dropped kerbs to improve access to the shared path.
* Installation of a raised table across the Darbys Lane/Heath Avenue/Popes Road junction to help lower vehicle speeds.
* The widening of footways and introduction of uncontrolled crossings on all arms of the junction to make it safer and easier for pedestrians to navigate the junction.
* New wayfinding signage installed along the length of the route.
* Installation of a raised table and parallel crossing on the eastern arm of the Darbys Lane/Dorchester Road junction to encourage lower vehicle speeds and provide a separate space for pedestrians and cyclists.
* Installation of a small section of cycle lane on Darbys Lane to make it safer and easier for cyclists to navigate the junction.
* Footway widening near Oakdale Community Park to install uncontrolled crossings to make it safer and easier for pedestrians to cross the road and encourage lower vehicle speeds.
The work is anticipated to start at the Heath Avenue/Popes Road junction, which will be under two-way traffic signals between Monday 15 January and Friday 9 February.
Part of Darbys Lane will be closed during this period with the diversion, via Dorchester Road, signposted.
Julian McLaughlin, Director for Infrastructure at BCP Council, said: “I’m pleased to see these improvements get underway – it’s part of our ongoing commitment to encouraging active travel wherever possible by creating a safer and more sustainable environment for residents and school children to get around.
“Our overall aim is to create a greener, healthier, better connected community, and these improvements are helping to make that happen.”
The improvements are funded by central government’s Transforming Cities Fund.