The new walking and cycling paths and sustainable travel improvements on Wimborne Road in Ferndown are making good progress, with the final construction phase (from Cobham Road to West Moors Road) due to begin in October 2022.
The work, being delivered by Dorset Council and funded through the south east Dorset Transforming Cities Fund (TCF)1, includes: the construction of new cycle and walking paths along the north side of Wimborne Road, building two new traffic light controlled, segregated pedestrian and cycle crossings over Cobham Road and West Moors Road, upgrading the bus stops upgrading the existing pedestrian crossing outside of the Pure Drop Inn across to Ferndown School, re-modelling and introducing new technology traffic lights and crossings at the junctions of Ameysford Rd/Church Road, Queens Road/Victoria Road and West Moors Road.

Construction will start at the Wimborne Road East / Cobham Road junction, at the entrance to the Ferndown Industrial Estate on October 17. A set of three-way temporary traffic lights will be in operation until early 2023. Work on the first two phases of the new route are nearing completion. It is expected that the entire 4.3km route will be complete by winter 2023.

Philip Jones, Headteacher at Ferndown Upper School said: “We are looking forward to these new facilities being built.  Many of our pupils already walk or cycle to school so these new facilities will help a lot, particularly in terms of their safety.
“I hope these improvements encourage even more to cycle and walk to school. “The improved crossing on Wimborne Road, outside our school, is very much appreciated as well.”

Plans for these improvements were informed by responses gathered during public engagement and formal consultation.