Sandy Lane

This section is currently on hold until further funding has been secured, following a national review by the Department for Transport of the Transforming Cities Fund (TCF) programme.

Rising construction, labour and fuel costs, growing inflation and changes to national design standards for cycling infrastructure mean south east Dorset’s original TCF budget, awarded pre-pandemic in March 2020, is no longer sufficient to build the entire network of cycle, walking and bus improvements planned across the region.

Priority has been given to TCF schemes that link into existing sustainable travel infrastructure, providing an immediate interim level of connectivity and more continuous travel routes.

Click here to read the full announcement

2021 proposals

The proposals consulted on in the 2021 public consultation included:

• New wayfinding signage and better crossing facilities on Sandy Lane and Watery Lane, with drainage improvements to avoid the route flooding. The route could alternatively follow Slough Lane, rather than Watery Lane
• Existing footpath upgraded to shared use for pedestrians and cyclists, designed to accommodate tidal flooding – the route would be screened from the A35 and run along the edge of the nature reserve, developed alongside RSPB
• A new shared use bridge would be installed across Sherford River, with the shared use path continuing along riverside to connect with Wareham Road.

View the proposed design plan here.

A report summarising the results of public consultation undertaken 24 February to 31 March 2021 is available here and the report covering 10 May to 14 June 2021 consultation is available here.