Dorchester: Residents react to Maumbury Junction works

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

This will include 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 Maumbury Junction (Image: Alfie Lumb) 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 Queen's 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.

Residents in Dorchester have been reacting to the news:

George Baines at the Maumbury Junction (Image: Alfie Lumb) George Baines, who lives on Queen’s Avenue, says that the current system is ‘rubbish.’ He said: “I walk this way every day. It’s not the best, and it prioritises motorists. I think it’s a good idea, and it makes so much sense.

“I do think that it’s good, because it’s a school route, and it’s good for bikes, but how many cyclists use this crossing anyway?”

David Henshaw at the Maumbury Junction (Image: Alfie Lumb) David Henshaw, a cyclist who lives on Manor Road and was on his way across town, said: “It’s a very dangerous crossing system. The pavement is so narrow, and sometimes, when school has kicked out for the day, you see 30 to 50 children waiting there-. I’m surprised there’s not been a crash there already. Right now, it’s an absolute nightmare- the worst place in Dorchester.

What I want to see is a footbridge going all the way across the railway, which would be great for people both cycling and on foot. I know it’s expensive but it would resolve the issues.”

Andrew Preston at the Maumbury Junction (Image: Alfie Lumb) Andrew Preston, who uses the crossing daily to get to his job at Exchange Supplies on Maumbury Road, said that he has been ‘waiting years’ for a change in the system to benefit pedestrians. He said: “From our offices we’ve seen a few near misses. We had to clear the brambles away before to stop prams getting caught.

“I’m astonished that they chose the junction by the Range to upgrade before this one to be honest, but I’m happy that they are looking into it now.

“As a resident, I think it’s great- I cycle to work, and the junction is really difficult for bikes. The town is built for cars and to think 15,000 come up here daily is just insane.”

He then had to time getting across the road between the lights. 

Sue Metcalfe at the Maumbury Junction (Image: Alfie Lumb) Sue Metcalfe, a resident of Dorchester who said that she would often cross the road to get into town, was leaning against a change to the current system. She added: “I have mixed opinions on this, because I think it could slow traffic down, and make it more of a struggle to get out of here. Of course there are a lot of children that need to cross but the town already is gridlocked.”