Poole: Dorset LEP unveils major transport scheme

Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has unveiled details of how £23.3 million (secured as part of the Dorset Growth Deal), will be invested into four major transport schemes to improve access into and around the port of Poole.  The initiative will help boost economic growth and bring an anticipated £500m of leveraged private investment in to the area.

The four schemes include a £4.3m investment into the A349 (the main link into the port of Poole and the town centre from the A31) at Gravel Hill; £2m improvements at Dunyeats junction including improvements for pedestrians and cyclists; a £4.2 million superstructure replacement for Poole Bridge; and £13m worth of major access improvements to the port of Poole on the town side of the Backwater Channel.

Gordon Page, chairman of Dorset LEP, said: “This multi-million-pound investment will unlock economic growth into the region. Improving the port of Poole’s infrastructure will secure industrial, maritime, residential and visitor growth and deliver significant long-term employment, housing and economic benefits.”

Julian McLaughlin, head of transportation services for the borough of Poole, said: “We appreciate that the closure of Gravel Hill and Poole Bridge for any length of time will cause significant disruption to road users. Minimising this inconvenience and congestion on neighbouring roads is a high priority for us and various temporary arrangements will be put in place to help us achieve this.”