MAJOR safety improvements to a busy four-way junction in Poole, used by more than 400 children and pedestrians every day, are now complete.

Work to Fernside Road and at the junction of Garland Road with St Mary’s Road to improve safety and encourage active forms of travel finished this week – after around nine months.

Funded through south east Dorset’s Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) programme, the Fernside Road junction (at the intersection with Hunt Road and St Mary’s Road) now has:

  • New toucan crossings (with space for both people walking and cycling) on all four arms.
  • Dropped kerbs before and after all crossing points, to allow people on bikes to cycle from the road to the crossings.
  • Resurfaced carriageway and pavements.
  • Additional signage

Bournemouth Echo: New crossing in Garland Road, Poole, just off the junction with St Mary's Road.New crossing in Garland Road, Poole, just off the junction with St Mary's Road. (Image: BCP Council)

A parallel crossing over Garland Road has been installed next to the new mini roundabout, and the planter on the pedestrianised area of St Mary’s Road has been replaced with a tree to provide a clear route for cyclists and walkers.

 Councillor Mike Greene, BCP Council’s member for sustainability and transport, said: “Hundreds of people cross the road at these junctions every day and we’re delighted to have made these improvements.

“They are already making a real difference, improving safety for all those walking, cycling or scooting, particularly children and the less mobile.

“Traffic will also flow better as a result of changes to the traffic lights, creating better, safer journeys for everyone in the area.”

Bournemouth Echo: A pedestrian crossing Hunt Road in Poole prior to the improvement works. Picture: BCP CouncilA pedestrian crossing Hunt Road in Poole prior to the improvement works. Picture: BCP Council

Mrs Emma Hemsil, assistant head at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, added: “The improvements on these two junctions were very much needed as they are busy junctions and most of our pupils need to cross there. Now our parents and children can walk and cycle to school much more safely.”

The junction upgrades form part of the TCF programme’s sustainable travel route linking Poole town centre with Ferndown and Wimborne.

The next phase of proposed work on this route is planned In Ringwood Road from Hunt Road to Mountbatten Roundabout.

A public consultation on the Fernside Road plans was held from May 10 to June 14 last year.