New section of sustainable travel route on Wimborne Road East and West open and ready for use

The major project of building accessibility improvements along Wimborne Road East and West in Ferndown, funded through central government’s Transforming Cities Fund, has completed.

The work to date spans 3.2km of improvements in two separate sections along Wimborne Road East and West: Canford Bottom Roundabout to Cobham Road and Ameysford Road to Trickett’s Cross roundabout. These improvements include:

• 3.2km of new wide accessible paths for walking, cycling and wheeling including textured areas to help the visually impaired.
• Bus stop improvements with new shelters, real-time information boards, raised kerbs to help access for the less able, and rubbish bins.
• Four upgraded traffic light junctions with new crossing points and smart ‘phasing’ technology which will help to maximise traffic flow and reduce journeys times for road users.
• Reducing the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph along the length of Wimborne Road to make the area safer for all road users.
• Rebuilding and resurfacing the carriageway to reduce the need for future maintenance.
• Landscaping with tree planting and wildflower seeding on the verges.

The new route links into the completed sustainable travel improvements on Wimborne Road West and Leigh Road through Colehill which finish at Brook Road in Wimborne.  This means that there is now 5.7km of accessibility improvements from Wimborne to Ferndown. When the final section is completed, there will be a 7km long accessible travel route running from Wimborne to Ferndown providing quick, safe and active ways of travelling to and from local employment, residential areas, businesses, schools and shops.

Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment said:

“We’re delighted that we’ve finished this section of the major infrastructure project funded through central government’s Transforming Cities Fund.  It’s been a huge undertaking for us and we’re proud that our local community can benefit from ways to make safe, sustainable journeys to and from Wimborne, Colehill and Ferndown, both now and in the future.  It’s all about linking key urban and employment areas together, maximising economic, environmental and social benefits, and giving everyone the choice to choose sustainable active travel for their daily commutes to work, school or leisure.

“We’re also thrilled to have invested in bus infrastructure improvements and carriageway re-surfacing, which has repaired many of the potholes on the road - something I know lots of residents will be pleased to see.”

Penny Misselbrook, who lives in Ferndown said:

“The new shared paths are brilliant, they look really smart and have made a huge difference to the area.  I’m really enjoying using them, I feel much safer on my bike away from the busy road.  The council has done a great job and I can’t wait for the final section to be completed.”

Pauline Worrall, a keen runner who also lives in Ferndown said:

“I use the new shared paths regularly for running and for getting around locally, I think they’re excellent.  The new phasing of the traffic lights and the wider junctions are a big improvement too - you now get a much clearer view when crossing the road which is safer for walkers, cyclists and drivers alike.”

More information about the work is here.

Watch a video of the new route and hear what people think about it: