Frustrations grow at roadworks across Bournemouth and Poole

Residents have criticised the number of roadworks ongoing simultaneously across Bournemouth and Poole.

Works to improve bus travel, cycling and walking on Ringwood Road, near the Mountbatten roundabout, are causing long hold-ups for drivers travelling between the two towns.

Jake Wilkinson is 30 years old and lives in Bournemouth.

He said: “There’s a lot of different roads closed at the same time, it’s an inconvenience to your day.” 

Glenferness Avenue is one of the roads that has been affected. The council has introduced better street lighting, new zebra crossings and wider footpaths for cyclists and pedestrians after an initial consultation with the public in spring 2021 

Funding for these roadworks are from the UK Government and in the long-term, hopes are to increase the amount of cyclists and safety on the roads 

Jake expressed that he had doubts about the plans. “I struggle to see the benefits,” he added. “You don’t really see many cyclists around.” 

Works on Ringwood Road started on 9th September 2024 and will carry on until 21st February 2025.  

Cars are still able to access the road but its usual two lanes has for now been limited to just one causing congestion problems. A new 30mph speed limit has also been set here for the time being 

Jake said: “It should have been better organized, someone should have thought of that.” 

Other roads around the area are planned to be redeveloped this weekend including Prince of Wales Road, Queens Road and Leven Avenue. All these in the area of Branksome Wood.