We’re working with the National Trust to improve connectivity of the footpath network in the Currendon Hill area in Swanage.
At the moment, walkers using Footpath SE 3/86 must walk around 250m on Ulwell Road before joining Footpath SE 22/16 which runs across fields to the B3351. There is also no designated crossing point across Currendon Hill.
To promote sustainable tourism and increase the number of walkers using the Rights of Way network, the scheme proposes:
- building a section of footway with dropped kerbs at designated crossing point to facilitate safer access across the two footpaths
- installing a wooden sleeper retaining wall to support the footway construction
- improving the existing bus stops by providing a paved waiting area so users don’t have to stand in the road
- reducing the speed limit in the vicinity of the junction to 40mph (subject to statutory consultation)
These improvements will also support bridleway access improvements planned by the National Trust.
Currendon Hill proposed improvements.
The highway access improvements are being funded by the Wytch Farm Landscape and Access Enhancement Fund, Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), Access for All and the Local Transport Grant.
What happens next
Subject to all necessary approvals, work is scheduled to start on Monday 11 January and last around 4 weeks.
To provide a safe working space, the junction of Currendon Hill and Ulwell Road will be controlled by three-way temporary traffic signals. We appreciate this will cause some disruption but have tried to minimise this by carrying out work in the winter months.