Dorset Council has preemptively thanked drivers' patience while the work is carried out Picture: Dorset Council

Delays expected at one of county’s busiest junctions as temporary traffic lights planned

Tait ap EllisNovember 3, 20250 Comment0

DRIVERS in Sturminster Newton may be faced with delays next week as resurfacing works and traffic signal improvements take place.

The busy signalised junction of Sturminster Newton Bridge will see its “very old, obsolete and increasingly difficult to maintain” signals refurbished.

This means above-ground detection equipment will be installed which Dorset Council said will reduce the need for road closures during future maintenance.

Work will take place from next Monday (November 10) until December 19. Throughout this period, three-way temporary traffic lights will be in place.

“Some disruption is expected, particularly during peak travel times, so please allow extra time for your journeys,” a Dorset Council spokesperson said.

A temporary pedestrian crossing will also be installed to maintain access while work is carried out.

Work is also needed to take place at the A357 Newton Hill and Bridge Street as both areas need resurfacing.

Night-time work will take place on both roads, with road closures from 8pm to 6am on December 12 and again from 8pm on December 13.

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

Councillor Jon Andrews, cabinet member for place at Dorset Council, said both upgrades are vital to one of the county’s busiest junctions.

“The current signal equipment is outdated and increasingly unreliable, so this refurbishment will make a real difference to traffic flow and safety,” he said.

“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.