New north Dorset road now open

A new road linking the eastern and western sides of Gillingham is now open.

Spanning 1.3km (just under 1 mile), the road is called Madjeston Way, the name put forward by Gillingham Town Council. The route was previously referred informally as Kiln Way during the development phase, but Madjeston Way has now become its official name.

It forms a key part of the town’s southern expansion, offering residents and visitors an alternative way to travel across the town and easing pressure on existing routes.

Although construction of the road was completed in 2023, linking New Road (B3092) with Shaftesbury Road (B3081), it remained closed while the surrounding housing development progressed.  

With the housing development now at a stage where the route can safely open, it will be available for use by all. 

The speed limit is 30mph, with shared‑use off‑road cycleways and footways along both sides of the carriageway. 

Traffic signals have been installed at the eastern end where it connects to Shaftesbury Road. 

Cllr Jack Jeanes, Cabinet Member for Place Services at Dorset Council, said: “This is a positive moment for Gillingham. Opening this road is an important step in supporting the new homes and community facilities, while also providing an additional route for everyday journeys. 

“Residents and local businesses have waited a long time to see this road open, and we know how much it matters. As development continues around it, we’re asking everyone to use the road responsibly and look out for one another.” 

The road was designed and built to unlock land for new homes and facilities, including a primary school, health services, sports pitches, play areas, shops and open green spaces. It will be maintained by Dorset Council as part of its wider highway network which spans around 3,800 kilometres (more than 2,300 miles) of roads. 

As housing construction continues alongside the route, drivers, cyclists and pedestrians are advised to take extra care and be aware of construction vehicles and increased activity entering and leaving the site.  

At the western end, vehicles joining or leaving East Stour will be required to give way to vehicles from Madjeston Way. 

The road was funded through a £6.31 million bid by Dorset Council to the government’s Housing Infrastructure Fund, which supports essential infrastructure needed for housing growth. The funding covered the road’s design, planning approval and construction. The costs will be recovered from developers and reinvested by Dorset Council into other housing projects.