We are carrying out work to improve the walking, wheeling and cycling route between Creekmoor and Upton Country Park, off the A35 near Poole.
Over the last 5 years there have been 8 injury collisions at the junction, 2 of them resulting in serious injuries to road users. The junction has long been one of the highest risk areas in Dorset, and the works will improve the safety of the environment. See the collision data map.
Work starts on Monday 12 January and will last 12 weeks under temporary traffic signals. The westbound A35 slip road will be closed with a signed diversion in place.
The scheme will widen and improve the cycleway under the flyover and better link to the underpasses that carry a bridleway under the A35, giving users better access to a safe, traffic-free route.
General arrangement design drawing of Upton slip road safety scheme.
What to expect during the works
To protect the workforce and minimise congestion:
- the westbound A35 off-slipway at Upton Country Park will be closed for the duration of the work. A signed diversion will be in place via the next junction (Upton roundabout)
- no access to Poole Road, Upton for motorists travelling from Creekmoor (Upton Gateway roundabout). There will be a signed diversion
- the 2 bus stops on the west bound side of Poole Road will be unavailable during the work, with customers directed to nearby stops
- drivers from Creekmoor will still be able to access both the A35 and Upton Road from the Upton Gateway roundabout
- anyone coming from Upton will still be able to access the Upton Bypass, Upton Country Park and Creekmoor from Poole Road
- Upton Country Park will be open as usual. Footways/cycleways will remain open for access to Upton Country Park and the wider area
- towards the end of the work there will be three nights of road closures for resurfacing
Improvements include:
- a new parallel crossing for pedestrians and cyclists on the approach to Upton Country Park from Poole Road
- wider footways from the Upton and Creekmoor directions towards Upton Country Park
- removal of the left turn lane from the A35 onto Poole Road
- tightening the junction Poole Road/A35 slip
- the speed limit has been reduced to 30mph from Upton Gateway roundabout/Poole Road leading to Upton Country Park
Vegetation clearance will re-establish the full available width of existing footways and improve visibility for users.
Ecological surveys have been undertaken, and careful maintenance and planting will ensure these habitats are left in a measurably better state, delivering a net gain for biodiversity.