Traffic signal improvements and resurfacing at Sturminster Newton

Essential refurbishment works are scheduled to begin on Monday 10 November 2025 at the signalised junction of Sturminster Newton Bridge and the A357 Newton Hill.

This busy junction operates with one-way traffic flow controlled by signals, which are now in urgent need of refurbishment. The current equipment is very old, obsolete and increasingly difficult to maintain.

The site has been prioritised as part of our ongoing traffic signal refurbishment programme. Improvements will include the installation of above-ground detection equipment, reducing the need for road closures during future maintenance.

The upgrades will improve the reliability of the signals and help traffic flow more smoothly, reducing congestion.

Traffic management during the refurbishment

Work will run from Monday 10 November to Friday 19 December.

To ensure the safety of the crew, drivers and pedestrians, three-way temporary traffic lights will be in place throughout the works. Some disruption is expected, particularly during peak travel times, so please allow extra time for your journeys. Thank you for your patience.

Pedestrian access will be maintained, with a temporary pedestrian crossing installed. Please note that due to the temporary traffic light configuration, pedestrians may experience longer waiting times.

Road closures for surfacing works in December

Bridge Street and Newton Hill are in need of resurfacing. Rather than returning in the new year and causing further disruption, resurfacing will be carried out towards the end of the signal refurbishment works.

Night-time work will take place on A357 Newton Hill and Bridge Street, with road closures from 8pm to 6am on Friday 12 December and again from 8pm on Saturday 13 December.

A full 24-hour closure will follow from 6am on Sunday 14 December until 6am on Monday 15 December. This is necessary to allow the new surface to harden properly before reopening to traffic.

Councillor Jon Andrews, Cabinet Member for Place, said:

“This is a vital upgrade for one of our busiest junctions. The current signal equipment is outdated and increasingly unreliable, so this refurbishment will make a real difference to traffic flow and safety. We’re also taking the opportunity to carry out resurfacing works at the same time to minimise future disruption. We appreciate everyone’s patience while these improvements are carried out.”

Three-way temporary lights will then remain in place for a few days after resurfacing to allow the new signals to synchronise with traffic flow.

A diversion route will be clearly signposted, in line with national regulations requiring traffic to be diverted onto roads of the same classification.