Dorchester Fairfield Road work to improve pedestrian safety

The road, part of Fairfield car park in Dorchester, is heavily used by pedestrians

A busy pedestrian route without footpaths is set to be improved after safety concerns.

The road, part of Fairfield car park in Dorchester, Dorset, runs between Weymouth Avenue and Maumbury Road.

Pedestrians have to contend with parked cars blocking visibility as two-way traffic passes through.

Dorset Council said a month-long project to add a footway and improve the layout would make it a "safer and more pleasant route".

The road is used to access the busy Brewery Square shopping and eating complex and also forms part of the signed pedestrian route between Dorchester West and Dorchester South railway stations.

Work has begun to create a wide footway along the length of Fairfield Road.

There will also be safer crossing points across Fairfield Road and new access into the car park directly from the railway station.

Ray Bryan, Dorset Council's portfolio holder for highways, said: "The current arrangement is difficult for less mobile people and those using buggies or mobility scooters, as well as train users with heavy luggage."This will create a safer and more pleasant route for people who use this busy part of the town."

The work, which is due to be completed by 16 February, is being funded by the Department for Transport's (DfT) through its Active Travel Fund.

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