Major work to improve safety at the Maumbury Cross junction in Dorchester moves to the main crossing areas from Tuesday 11 February.
This phase includes installing more signal-controlled pedestrian crossing points, widening and levelling of footways where possible and upgrading existing equipment.
The initial work, which took place just south of the Maumbury Cross junction, went as planned. Focus will now shift to the main junction area.
Traffic management
Four-way temporary traffic will be set up to start after the morning peak commuter/school traffic on 11 February. These signals will be monitored and adjusted to maintain traffic flow as much as possible, especially during peak times.
The signals will remain in place 24 hours a day during the improvement work. Please allow extra time whenever possible for your journey through the junction, particularly at rush hours.
Once the current signalling equipment and pedestrian islands have been removed, alterations will start in the southeast and northwest areas of the junction on Maumbury Road.
Due to its closeness to the working area, Edward Road will be closed between Coburg Road and Weymouth Avenue (B3147) from 9am on 11 February for the duration of the works. There will be a signed diversion.
Pedestrian access will be maintained through the site, but as it is a working area there will be times when a slight diversion is necessary. The safe route will always be signposted.
Cllr Jon Andrews, Cabinet Member for Place Services at Dorset Council said: “Thank you for your co-operation while we carried out our initial works which are scheduled to complete on time.
“Our team will endeavour to minimise disruption as they carry out the main junction work. However, as with any large highways project, there will be times when traffic is slower so we thank you for your patience.
“The completed upgrades will create a safer environment for the thousands of residents, students, visitors, and commuters who rely on this crucial junction daily.”
Why we need to make the improvements
The current junction layout, with its narrow footways, limited space to pass or wait to cross and only one controlled crossing point can make it a daunting experience, especially for anyone with limited mobility or vision impairments.
Full views of approaching vehicles can be difficult, and the current layout means some people have to wait in the middle of the road to cross.
The junction can also be particularly challenging during rush hours when commuting to and from work or school by foot, bike, or car.
Watch a video of the difficulties faced when using the junction before improvements.
The improvements
There will be a new layout and an upgrade of the existing signalling equipment. Work will also include:
- New controlled pedestrian crossing points on Maumbury Road eastern arm, Maumbury Road western arm and on Weymouth Avenue northern arm.
- Widening and levelling of footways, where possible, to improve the pedestrian environment.
- A new section of cycleway and an advanced stop line on the uphill section of Maumbury Road to help cyclists through the junction.
- Relocating the existing crossing point on the railway bridge and replacing with a new Puffin crossing closer to Queens Avenue. This will provide more footway space for people waiting to cross the road and will be closer to the main route where students walk to and from school.
The works are scheduled to complete by May 2025.
More information about the scheme can be found online at https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/w/maumbury-cross-improvements
Crossing in the middle of Maumbury Junction