FAMILIES in Dorchester are set to benefit from better safety on a route that serves three schools.

From Monday, January 12 to April, Dorset Council will be upgrading equipment, crossings and the junction at the Damers Road end of Williams Avenue.

This busy route is used daily by pupils attending Damers First School, Dorchester Middle School and The Thomas Hardye School.

Children, families and carers have been calling for safer crossings and better cycle links to the schools for many years.

Work will include upgraded more responsive signals, new, better crossings, a wider footway on the south side of Damers Road to provide a cycle link to Alexandra Road and cycle lanes on Williams Avenue leading to the junction.

The council says these changes will create a safer, traffic-free route between the town centre and Poundbury, helping children avoid busy roads.

Cabinet member for place services Cllr Jon Andrews said: “This is a long-awaited improvement, especially for pupils travelling to nearby schools.

“The new route will link the town centre with key destinations in west Dorchester, including schools, the leisure centre and Poundbury. Without it, children cycling to school would have to use the main road, which carries high levels of traffic.

“Our officers recently visited Damers First School and heard first-hand from the Eco Club about the challenges of getting to school safely. The school has campaigned for this for years, so I’m delighted we’re delivering a safer route for children.”

This work will complete the junction improvement and traffic signal upgrade programme for both ends of Williams Avenue, at Bridport Road and Damers Road.

Traffic management is required and drivers are advised to allow extra time for their journey through the junction.

Pedestrian access will be maintained with a safe route provided.

There will be a one-way eastbound closure from Williams Avenue towards the Great Western Road junction for up to four weeks from 12 January.

Vehicles will have access in the westbound (hospital) direction.

From February 9 to April 17, there will be three-way lights at the Williams Avenue/Damers Road junction.

To find out more about the scheme visit www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/williams-avenue