Improvements to Chapel Gate Roundabout, near Bournemouth Airport, have finished.
The project is the second scheme delivered by Dorset County Council and strategic partner Hanson UK as part of the Bournemouth International Growth (BIG) Programme.
£45.2m was secured by Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership through the Local Growth Fund for the BIG Programme, to improve connectivity, ease congestion, protect existing jobs and create new ones in and around Bournemouth Airport and Wessex Fields.
At Chapel Gate, the improved layout provides a dedicated left turn filter for westbound traffic from Hurn, an additional lane to give eastbound traffic better access to Aviation Business Park and new cycleway and footway links into Aviation Business Park to give commuters more travel options.
Overall, the roundabout improvements – along with planned BIG Programme schemes at Hurn Roundabout and Parley Cross – will help to relieve congestion on the B3073.
Minister for Local Growth, Jake Berry, said:
“It’s encouraging to see Local Growth Deal funding being invested in strategically important sites in Dorset. The improvements at Chapel Gate roundabout are a vital part of the Bournemouth International Growth Programme and will make a real difference to connectivity around Bournemouth Airport, helping create local jobs, growth and a stronger economy across the region.”
Jim Stewart, Chair of Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership said:
“We’re pleased to see the completion of the work at Chapel Gate roundabout. It forms a key part of the plans to improve flow along the B3073 corridor and is an important element of the BIG Programme’s transport ambition to unlock roads, relieve congestion and create better journeys for local businesses and people.
“The BIG Programme is making good progress with the renewal of the A338 Bournemouth Spur Road completed last year, the improvements at Blackwater Junction underway and works at Parley, Hurn and Wessex Fields in the pipeline.
“Collectively they will transform accessibility, create and protect jobs and boost productivity by up to £500 million GVA for the local area.”
Councillor Daryl Turner, Dorset County Council Cabinet member for the natural and built environment, said:
“When it comes to road infrastructure, Dorset is usually at a disadvantage compared to other counties, but we are committed to working with partners to improve our network to ensure that our economy can continue to grow.
“Our work at Chapel Gate is another step forward towards reducing congestion along this busy route, and the additional, and improved, cycle links to the business park will provide a healthier travel choice for those able to leave their car at home.
“I’d like to thank drivers for their patience and thank the project team for successfully delivering another scheme.”
The £1.7m work at Chapel Gate Roundabout started on 3 July with work carried out off-peak between 9.30am and 3.30pm to minimise disruption and delays.
Following problems with the initial surfacing of the roundabout, the area has now been resurfaced - at no cost to Dorset County Council or Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership.
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