WORKS will take place for six weeks to upgrade two pedestrian crossings in Dorchester.

Two crossings in the town centre will be closed at separate times over the six-week period.

The crossings at High West Street and High East Street are reaching the end of their maintainable life after around 20 years.

Dorset Council says updated equipment will make them safer and easier to use by all.

The council says modern technology will improve traffic management, and the new operating systems will reduce the need for extensive digging during future maintenance.

The works are likely to cause disruption in the town through November and early December.

They will also begin during the half-term break for schools in Dorset.

The work will take place in phases.

The first works will take place on High West Street at the pedestrian crossing near the Dorset Museum from October 28, for two weeks.

During the work, signs will direct pedestrians to an alternative crossing nearby.

Then works will begin on the High East Street pedestrian crossing, near the High Street, Fordington turning, from November 11.

The council aims to complete this section by December 13, weather permitting.

During the work, temporary signals will replace the existing crossing, so traffic flow is maintained and disruption is kept to a minimum for drivers and pedestrians.

Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s cabinet member for place services, said: “We are upgrading these crossings as part of our ongoing traffic signal refurbishment programme.

"The equipment at these locations was installed nearly 20 years ago and modern signalling has moved on a lot in that time.

“Using the latest technology and installation methods, the new crossings will improve the experience for pedestrians and the smart technology will adapt to current traffic conditions to keep traffic flowing.

“As the work takes place, we’ll keep disruption to a minimum but, as always, we thank you in advance for your patience.”

The work will be funded by the central government.