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Improvements planned for “difficult to cross” Dorchester junction

THE Maumbury Cross junction in Dorchester, described as difficult to cross by pedestrians, will see a range of safety improvements next year.

The area is a busy four-way junction that is often used by students, parents and carers with children, residents of a nearby care home as well as visitors to the hospital, market, leisure centre and skate park.

The current layout is made up of narrow footpaths with little space to cross or pass another pedestrian – and there is only one crossing point.

This can make it particularly challenging for pedestrians during rush hour when people are commuting to work or school by foot, bike, or car.

To combat this, new controlled pedestrian crossing points will be installed on Maumbury Road eastern arm, Maumbury Road western arm and on Weymouth Avenue northern arm.

A new section of cycleway and an advanced stop line on the uphill section of Maumbury Road will also be created to help cyclists through the junction, as well as relocating the existing crossing point on the railway bridge and replacing with a new Puffin crossing closer to Queens Avenue.

This will provide more footway space for people waiting to cross the road and will be closer to the main route where students walk to and from school.

Dorset Council says nearly a quarter (22%) of households in Dorchester do not have access to a vehicle, and the current layout makes it difficult for many residents to reach their destinations.

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.

Approximately 15,000 vehicles pass through the junction each day.

Councillor Jon Andrews, cabinet member for place services, said: “Maumbury Cross is a vital route for many people, whether walkers, wheelers or drivers, so care has been taken to design a scheme that will enhance safety for all.

“Our intention is to make the Cross a safer and more efficient place for all.

“Nearly a quarter of Dorchester households do not have access to a vehicle and, coupled with out-of-date equipment, the pedestrian experience can be unpleasant for many.

“With four-way traffic movement, and thousands of vehicles passing through daily, it will be a complex scheme to build, but I hope everyone can be patient and understanding.”

A guide dog owner who lives in Dorchester said she is delighted the crossing is being improved.

She said: “It’s really difficult to cross if you have low vision. I’ve had a couple of near misses there, so avoid using the crossing and walk a different route that is a lot longer.

“The improvements will make the junction safer for everyone, including the students from the nearby schools who have to use the crossing.

“I am really pleased the council’s highways team reached out to Dorchester Access Group for our thoughts on the improvements and took our concerns seriously before finalising the plan.”

The work will start in mid-January and will complete in the spring. Further details will be published as we approach the start date, and signs will be erected in advance.

Find out more about the works on the Dorset Council website.

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