Pedestrian signals upgrade work planned for town

Pedestrian signals will be modernised in Dorchester over the course of six weeks

Pedestrian signals are being modernised to improve traffic management in a Dorset town.

The signals in High East Street junction with Church Street in Dorchester have "reached the end of their maintainable life", according to Dorset Council.

The authority explained they would be replaced to make the crossing safer and easier to use.

Work is expected to start on 2 June and last for six weeks. The authority said signed diversions would be in place and asked people to "be prepared for some disruption".

In a statement, the authority said the junction will be controlled with three-way lights and there would be road closures in place throughout.

Icen Way will be closed from 2 June until 6 June, while Friary Lane will be closed from 2 June until 17 July.

Councillor Jon Andrews said: "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."

The authority confirmed further improvement works were planned for later in 2025 and in 2026, with details yet to be announced.