More Dorchester signals to be improved

Pedestrian signals at the High East Street junction of Church Street, Dorchester that have reached the end of their maintainable life are to be replaced.

With new modern equipment, the crossing will be safer and easier to use. The latest technology will improve traffic management, and the operating systems will reduce the need for extensive digging during future maintenance.

Work will start on 2 June and will take around six weeks to complete.

The following changes will be in place during the works:

• The junction controlled with three-way lights from Monday 2 June to Thursday 17 July
• Icen Way closed from Monday 2 June to Friday 6 June 
• Friary Lane closed from Monday 2 June to Thursday 17 July  

There will be a signed diversion in place for vehicles during the closures.

Due to the nature of the works and the traffic management required to keep workers, drivers and pedestrians safe, motorists and pedestrians are asked to be prepared for some disruption.

Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the work and a safe route will be provide. A temporary pedestrian crossing will be in place but, due to the configuration of the lights, this may mean a longer waiting time for pedestrians.

Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services, said:

“These signal upgrades follow similar improvement work at our crossings on High East Street and High West Street as part of our ongoing traffic signal refurbishment programme.

"Technology has advanced significantly since these signals were installed many years ago. The new signals will improve the experience for pedestrians and the smart technology will adapt to traffic conditions to keep vehicles flowing.

“During the works, we will be using the same temporary signals used during our recent Maumbury junction works, which served motorists and us well.

“As with all highways work, there will be some disruption during the improvements and we encourage all road users to allow extra time when planning their journey in this area. Thank you in advance for your patience.”

The work to improve traffic signals around Dorchester is being funded by central government. This phase will be completed before the school summer holidays start.

Further improvement works are planned for later 2025 and in 2026. Details will be publicised nearer to the time.