Wallisdown Road: 10 week closure today for cycle lane work

The A3049 Wallisdown Road will be shut westbound for approximately 10 weeks.

Here’s all the information you need about what’s happening and why.

Why is the work taking place?

A new cycle lane is being installed as part of BCP Council’s wider improvements to the ‘Wallisdown corridor’.

The Wallisdown Road westbound closure (Image: BCP Council)

What’s happening from today?

From 8am today, Monday, October 10, a westbound closure will be in force between Scott Road and Bryant Road for approximately 10 weeks.

A signed diversion route will be in place during this time.

Meanwhile, a temporary 20mph speed limit will be introduced to “maintain the safety of the public and those working on site during the works”.

Emergency access will be maintained at all times.

Read more: What do YOU think of the upcoming Wallisdown Road cycle lanes?

What’s the diversion?

People approaching the roundabout at Aldi westbound must turn right and head down Kinson Road.

The diversion route explained by one.network (Image: one.network)

Then, at the mini roundabout, turn left down Turbary Park Avenue. After that, motorists should turn left onto Poole Lane and left again at the roundabout onto Ringwood Road.

At Mountbatten Roundabout, at the BP garage, you are then back on route.

The diversion works vice versa if you’re heading eastbound towards Bournemouth.

Read more: Daytime lane closures between roundabouts in Ringwood Road

When will the work finish?

The closure is due to end at 4pm on Friday, December 16.

Wallisdown Road (Image: Newsquest)

What has the council said?

Speaking last month ahead of the works, Councillor Mike Greene, BCP Council Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability, said: “Giving more people the freedom, confidence and ability to make sustainable travel choices is a key priority for the council.

“By improving Wallisdown Road, a major connecting route between our three towns, we will help reduce journey times and encourage more people to embrace healthier and environmentally sustainable modes of travel. We will also be contributing positively towards our wider transforming travel initiative.’’

“Whilst we complete the transformation of this important route, I would ask residents for patience and to explore other travel options, such as giving our Beryl bike scheme a go.”

Tell me more about the Wallisdown works

The council’s improvements to the Wallisdown area started near the Mountbatten Arms in November 2020 which included a two-way cycle lane in Wallisdown Road.

The cycle lane made headlines last year when motorists criticised it as being “unsightly” and “too big”.

The latest work is part of the next phase of BCP Council’s installation of a cycle lane, as well as pedestrian crossings and bus stops, along the Wallisdown corridor and will take approximately five months to complete.

BCP Council said: “This will create a continuous sustainable travel route through the majority of Wallisdown area. Footpaths and crossings will be enhanced, and bus travel will be supported via upgraded waiting areas.”

What else has happened?

Additional work has included new controlled crossings near Sunnymoor Road, as well as tree planting and landscaping to create a more attractive area for residents. 

Who is funding the Wallisdown Corridor scheme?

The scheme is part funded by Local Growth Fund investment from Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (Dorset LEP) and by BCP Council.

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