Diversions are in place in Boscombe as renovation of the borough’s bus station gets underway.
The improvement works on the Boscombe Bus Hub which started yesterday are part of the Three Towns Travel scheme which aims to tackle traffic congestion. Although diversions have been set up, the council says it is doing all it can to minimise disruption: “ Today there was a simple road closure without any traffic lights,” says Ian Kalra, head of transportation services for Bournemouth Council.
“We are always mindful of the disruption we may cause and always work carefully to minimize it”
The scheme’s first phase of construction in Boscombe will be completed by June.
Councillor Kalra added, “ The ongoing work improvements will include new bus shelters with real time information displays, a safer and more accessible internal layout. “ It will provide a longer transport corridor, encouraging more people to walk, cycle and take public transportation,” said Kalra. He added, ” A block construction has already been done, which was redecorated and enhanced with better lighting.”
It is being welcomed by local leaders. “The Bus Hub scheme is great, because we want people to come and do their shopping in Boscombe more often, in the most welcoming way possible,” says councilor Jane Kelly, Cabinet member for Regeneration and Partnership. She added, “ After finishing revamping the market in Boscombe, we are considering opening a few market stores in the bus hub. This will bring more people to visit and enjoy Boscombe.”
The scheme’s second phase on Ashley Road bus station in Poole will begin once the works in Boscombe have been completed.
As for Christchurch, the improvements has been completed. It included works on the Burton Road footbridge along with phase one of the cycleway between Burton and the Grange. As well as an upgrade of the traffic signal at the Stony Lane and Purwell junction.