​​​​​​​Improvements planned for two key Dorchester junctions

Both ends of Williams Avenue, near Dorset County Hospital, Dorchester are to undergo improvements to make them safer and more accessible. 

The work at the Bridport Road and Damers Road junctions will create: 

• Better, easier crossings and wider footways 

• Changed traffic lanes at the junctions 

• Modern, more responsive traffic lights 

• Shared footways and cycleways 

The current issues 

• Bridport Road and Damers Road can be hazardous for walking and cycling​ 

• There are no crossings of Bridport Road at the Williams Avenue junction​ 

• Narrow footways on Bridport Road, a key walking route between Poundbury, the Hospital and the town centre​ 

• Williams Avenue is the main vehicular access link to the hospital, but has no dedicated provision for cycles   

• All signal equipment (traffic lights) is outdated and unreliable 

• There is limited cycle provision on Damers Road and Bridport Road ​ 

Central government will fund the replacement of the traffic signals. 

Temporary traffic lights will be in place during the works. These will be synchronised with the nearby signals and remotely monitored to keep traffic flowing as smoothly as possible.  

See the plans 

The plans and information boards will be available to view in the foyer of County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester from 1 to 5 September 2025, between 8.30am and 5pm. 

You can also find out more about the scheme here and see the Williams Avenue Improvements Information Board.

Cllr Jon Andrews, Cabinet Member for Place Services, said: “The traffic signals at both junctions are reaching the end of their serviceable life. Rather than simply replacing outdated and unreliable equipment, we’re taking this opportunity to redesign the junctions to meet modern standards for safety, accessibility and efficiency. 

“This is a particularly busy part of town, serving Dorset County Hospital, key commuter routes and three nearby schools. The current road layout is no longer fit for purpose and urgently needs updating to better support the volume of traffic it sees every day. 

“Our team will closely monitor traffic flow throughout the works, using the same approach we applied during the Maumbury junction improvements. While we will do everything we can to minimise disruption, some delays are likely, especially during peak times. 

“Thank you for your patience and understanding while we carry out this work.”  

Work will take place in two phases. 

Phase 1 Bridport Road/Williams Avenue junction  

From September to end December 2025, with temporary signals:

• Upgraded traffic lights and pedestrian crossings 

• A new pedestrian crossing 

• Removal of the left turn lane 

• Single lane exit from Williams Avenue    

• Widened footway / cycleway on approach to Williams Avenue and new crossing 

• A new climbing cycle lane 

• Road resurfacing 

Phase 2 Damers Road/Williams Avenue junction  

From January to April 2026, with temporary signals: 

• Upgraded signals and crossings 

• New crossing east of the junction 

• Widened footway on south side of Damers Road   

• Single lane exit from Williams Avenue 

• Widened footway/cycleway 

• Uphill cycle lane 

• New cycle route to local schools and Poundbury 

• Road resurfacing 

Three 30-minute bays on Damers Road will be removed to widen the south-side footway. Four bays will remain.  

Local Dorset Council Dorchester West ward member, Cllr Les Fry said: “There have many improvement works in Dorchester over the past two years. While these have caused disruption, the changes are helping to make the town safer and more accessible, especially for those on foot or with mobility difficulties, with new crossings and widened footways. 

“I thank residents and businesses for their continued patience and understanding as these important works continue.” 

Please help to reduce disruption to Dorset County Hospital during the works 

Both junctions affected by our works are used regularly by staff and visitors travelling to Dorset County Hospital. Construction of the hospital’s new emergency department means that access to the current emergency department is now via Williams Avenue instead of Damers Road. 

To help reduce disruption, we ask that anyone not attending the hospital to please avoid using Williams Avenue during the works if possible. Please consider alternative routes or modes of transport. Thank you.

Community involvement 

The designs have been shaped by extensive engagement with local stakeholders, including Dorset County Hospital, Dorchester Access Group, Dorchester Transport Action Group, Damers First School Eco Group and Dorchester Town Council.  

Visit dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/williams-avenue for more information about the project.