Published on Tuesday 05 March 2024
The next phase of pedestrian, cycle and bus service improvements on Magna Road in Poole will get underway on Monday 11 March.
The improvements, funded through central government’s Transforming Cities Fund* and running between the Knighton Lane/Provence Drive junction and the new access road into Canford Vale from Magna Road, are due to complete in July and include:
- Two new bus shelters at the existing bus stops on Magna Road
- New shared paths for walking, wheeling and cycling
- A new pedestrian crossing just west of the King John Avenue junction
- Junction improvements at Magna Road/King John Avenue
Once complete, schools, businesses and homes in and around Merley, Oakley, Canford Magna and Bearwood will benefit from the revamped, 4km long sustainable travel route running from Gravel Hill along Queen Anne Drive and Magna Road to Wood Lane.
This latest improvement project forms part of the council’s wider plans for a green travel route between Merley and Christchurch.
Julian McLaughlin, director for infrastructure at BCP Council, said:
“I’m pleased to see the next phase of improved walking, wheeling, cycling and bus facilities along the busy Magna Road get underway. It’s important we create safe, connected and appealing travel environments for everyone, especially those serving the new communities in this area. We hope these improvements will encourage healthier, more sustainable ways of getting around, whether it’s to school, work or leisure activities, both now and for years to come. Thank you to everyone for their patience while this work is undertaken.”
The work is expected to have minimal disruption on anyone travelling through the area. Some footway closures will be required at times with temporary pedestrian crossings and temporary traffic lights in place.
More information about the work is here.
Notes to editors
Taylor Wimpey, the developer of the Canford Vale housing development north of Magna Road, are funding improvements at the Magna Road/Knighton Lane/Provence Drive junction and at the new road at 94 Magna Road. Further details are here.
* The Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) programme in south east Dorset includes a network of new cycle and walking routes and bus improvements across the region as well as investment in trip-end facilities for schools and businesses, wayfinding facilities and subsidies for the Beryl Bike rental service. The introduction of more sustainable forms of transport aims to transform local travel, reduce road congestion and greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality and bring economic and health benefits.
The TCF programme is funded largely by the UK Government’s Transforming Cities Fund awarded by the Department for Transport (DfT) but also includes contributions from both councils and local transport and business development organisations. BCP Council and Dorset Council were one of 12 regions in England to secure a share of the government’s Transforming Cities Fund based on its commitment to supporting economic growth through investment in public sustainable transport infrastructure. It forms a major part of the region’s Transforming Travel programme promoting sustainable travel. Go to www.transformingtravel.info for further information.