Sustainable transport link
Work to build new sustainable transport infrastructure on Wimborne Road West and Leigh Road (between the Canford Bottom roundabout and the junction with Brook Road) is now complete. The 2.3km stretch of new walking and cycle paths and crossings are open.
It was the first project to be completed as part of the Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) programme.
Background
The B3073 Leigh Road was previously part of the strategic east/west route across Dorset before the A31 was built. The aim of this project has been to create more of a neighbourhood community road rather than the feel of a trunk road. To help residents enjoy the area on foot or by other means, such as bike, scooters, mobility scooters and wheelchairs.
The Leigh Road - Wimborne Road West scheme has been largely funded through central government’s south east Dorset TCF programme. It has also been supplemented by a £500,000 grant from the Department for Transport. Councils and local transport and business organisations have also funded this work.
The improvements
The cycleways are on both the north and south side of Leigh Road/Wimborne Road West from Brook Road to Canford Bottom Roundabout.
Providing a dedicated space for cycling improves conditions for both cyclists and pedestrians, who benefit from an enhanced footway width and new surfacing in places.
The speed limit has been reduced to 30mph to improve safety for everyone and reduce noise levels. We have taken advantage of all opportunities to increase greenspace within the scheme to improve the streetscape.
Watch a video showing the improvements.
Work still be to be completed
A short section of the route around the junction with Lonsdale Road is currently being built by Barratt Homes as part of their agreement to develop the new Quarter Jack Park Estate.
The work will include completion of:
the remaining cycle and walking paths on the north of Leigh Road
the re-modelling of the Lonsdale Road junction
the installation of traffic lights and controlled crossings on the arms of the junction
Dorset Council will construct the missing section of shared footway to the west of the junction, on the south of Leigh Road.
The work is expected to be completed by March 2024.
New parallel crossings
Two new parallel crossings on Leigh Road form part of the scheme. The design of these are a first for Dorset highways. They are essentially zebra crossings with an additional area for bikes to safely cross the road without delaying drivers longer than necessary. This avoids long waiting times associated with signalised crossings.
