WORK on a new project is set to start this month and is aiming to ensure “better accessibility” for cyclists and pedestrians in Ringwood.
The scheme, which is is estimated to cost around £229,000, will see Hampshire County Council implementing improvements including resurfacing and widening Strides Lane footpath and installing new dropped kerbs; installing traffic calming measures to create a gateway at the Market Place end of West Street; an improved pedestrian crossing between the Furlong Shopping Centre and Ringwood Gateway/ town centre car parks; and improvements to the pedestrian crossing adjacent to the Ringwood Meeting House.
Ringwood Town Mayor, Councillor Tony Ring, said: “I’m glad Ringwood Town Council has been able to contribute to this project. As we address the impacts of our activities on the environment, we welcome measures that will make it easier and safer for everyone to get to and from our town centre on foot or by bike.”
Following public consultation, Highways England is taking forward a scheme to increase capacity on the A31, decrease congestion and improve safety in the area by widening of the westbound carriageway of the A31 and the closing the West Street access onto the A31.
Councillor Rob Humby, the deputy leader of Hampshire County Council and executive member for economy, transport and environment, said: “As a consequence of these Highway England works, Hampshire County Council has been working collaboratively with New Forest District Council and Ringwood Town Council to develop a programme of small scale measures that support the Ringwood Town Access Plan. These measures will help improve pedestrian and cycle safety, while ensuring good access to the town remains after the closure of West Street.”
Work to enable the closure of the West Street access to the A31 will be carried out later in the year or early in 2021, followed by reversal of the one-way traffic flow in Meeting House Lane. Work on the Highways England A31 widening scheme is due to start in Spring 2021.
For more information about the improvement project go to hants.gov.uk/transport/transportschemes/ringwoodtownimprovements and for more on the A31 scheme visit highwaysengland.co.uk/projects/a31-ringwood-road-widening
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