​​​​​​​Crossing and paths near Upton Country Park to be improved this new year

An improved route for walking, wheeling and cycling is to be developed between Creekmoor and Upton Country Park, off the A35 near Poole.

This includes a new parallel crossing near the country park, wider footways and resurfacing. This is designed to make journeys safer for everyone and reduce the risk of accidents.

The scheme will widen and improve the cycleway and provide a better link to the underpass that carries a bridleway under the A35, giving users better access to a safe, traffic-free route.

Work starts Monday 12 January and will be carried out under temporary traffic signals. It is expected to last 12 weeks.

The westbound slip road from the A35 to Upton Country Park will be closed for the duration of the work, with a signed diversion in place. Upton Country Park will be open as usual throughout.

Dorset Council will be carrying out the improvements.

What to expect 

To protect the workforce and minimise congestion throughout the roadworks, temporary traffic signals will be in place along with other temporary restrictions:

• 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). 
• There will be no access to Poole Road, Upton for motorists travelling from Creekmoor (Upton Gateway roundabout). A signed diversion will be in place.  
• The two 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. These will be publicised in advance.

Cllr Jon Andrews, Cabinet Member for Place Services at Dorset Council, said:

“These improvements are vital for the safety and wellbeing of local communities, so we thank everyone for their patience during the works.

“We’ve worked with BCP Council to plan the upgrade of the footway and bridleway from Creekmoor towards Upton Country Park, making it accessible for more users.

“We’ll do everything we can to minimise disruption, but please plan ahead and allow extra time, especially during rush hour. These improvements will make this busy area safer and more pleasant for all.”

Councillor Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for climate mitigation, energy and environment at Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council added: “This is an important link into Upton Country Park, and also on a commuting route for communities on both sides of the border of our two authorities.”

“It’s on the route of the Roman Road from Hamworthy to Lake Farm, and that is a super greenway link for families. Improving safety for all road users here is key, and I’m really pleased that the two Authorities have worked together to make the best use of the available space, connect with the bridleway subways, and create a more pleasant link to use.”

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.