Major plans to improve 'dangerous' Dorchester junction for

Dorset Council has announced that starting in mid-January, significant safety improvements will be made at the Maumbury Cross junction.

Works are expected to last until May 2025.

Maumbury Cross Junction (Image: Alfie Lumb) According to the council, this will include the incorporation of more signal-controlled pedestrian crossing points into the junction south of the skate park, the widening of footways as well as the upgrading of existing equipment.

The council say this will provide a safer and more pleasant experience for people waiting to cross.

Around 15,000 vehicles are reported to pass through the junction daily and the council say it can be a daunting pedestrian experience, especially for those with limited mobility or visual impairments.

The current layout consists of narrow footways with little space to pass or wait to cross. There is currently only one controlled crossing point.

A view of the plans for Maumbury Cross Junction (Image: Dorset Council) Work will include a new layout and upgrading of the existing signalling equipment.

It 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, wherever 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.
• Relocation of 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.

To enable the new crossing location, the northbound bus stop will be moved to the south side of the Queens Avenue junction with Weymouth Avenue.

As part of the new design, the crossing point on the railway bridge is being relocated and replaced. A new Puffin crossing will be installed nearer to Queens Avenue.

Plans show a new southbound bus shelter, with footway resurfacing and tree root protection, as well as the closing of the left hand lane from Maumbury Road.

A close up of the plans shows one lane on Maumbury Road (Image: Dorset Council) Cllr Robin Potter, mayor of Dorchester said: “The improvements are much needed and are much better for pedestrians. Moving the lights further towards Queens Avenue is a positive and will create more space for children and those using the crossing as there is often always so many people waiting to cross the road.

“I’m not too keen on closing the left hand turn lane from Maumbury Road as there is often a queue of traffic in the Manor Park area around school leaving time.”

Cllr Stella Jones, Dorset Councillor for the Dorchester East Ward, said: “It’s a very dangerous junction to cross and lots of youngsters, particularly from Thomas Hardyes, Dorchester Middle School and St Osmunds use the junction.

“We are encouraging people to walk and cycle as much as possible, especially youngsters, and we hope this will help with that.

“The crossing and footpath by the railway bridge is so narrow so that will be a massive improvement."

Speaking about the possible delays to motorists, Cllr Jones said: "There's always going to be delays with this kind of a project."

Cllr Jon Andrews, Cabinet Member for Place Services, said: “Maumbury Cross is a vital route for many people, whether walkers, wheelers or drivers, so care has been taken to design a scheme that will enhance safety for all.

“Our intention is to make the cross a safer and more efficient place for all.

“With 4-way traffic movement, and thousands of vehicles passing through daily, it will be a complex scheme to build, but I hope everyone can be patient and understanding.”