Work in Swanage town centre will intensify following the approval of Traffic Regulation Orders for changes to loading bays and on-street parking along Institute Road.
Dorset Council, with the support of Swanage Town Council, has designed improvements to Institute Road to provide a safer pedestrian environment.
The confirmation of these legal orders will enable both pavements along Institute Road to be widened to 2.5m, at the moment walking space for pedestrians varies from 1.3m to 1.8m.
Cllr Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said:
“A serious collision in 2015 focussed our attention to the situation in Swanage – where there is a significant conflict between vehicles and pedestrians through the main shopping street.
“When the existing loading bay is in use – either legally or illegally – vehicles will often mount the pavement to get past, sometimes with little regard for pedestrians.
“By repositioning the loading bay we can widen the pavements which will improve pedestrian safety and greatly enhance the visitor experience along this busy stretch.”
On Monday, 17 February, Institute Road will close to traffic until the end of May. Work along the road includes building new kerb lines to widen the pavements, installing new drainage systems and rebuilding the pavements up to their new, higher level. This is taking place along the length of the road and on both sides of the carriageway.
The one-way flow on Kings Road East will be reversed to ensure drivers can still get into the heart of the town, and High Street will become two-way with the help of temporary signals.
Institute Road will remain open to pedestrians throughout the works.
Work completed so far includes replacing and upgrading the pedestrian crossing on Station Road and the rebuilding of the Shore Road traffic island on a new alignment.
The Institute Road improvements will cost around £450,000 and is being funded by Dorset Council, Swanage Town Council and Section 106 money from developers.
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