Safer crossing planned in Lytchett Minster

School students using the B3067 Dorchester Road in Lytchett Minster will soon have a safer place to cross, with a new crossing point and a lower speed limit planned from this summer.

Between late July and mid-August, we will install a shared pedestrian and cycle crossing point, along with a new section of footway linking with the existing footway to the south. 

Approximately 460 students at Lytchett Minster School live in Upton, within two miles of the school, making it a realistic walking or cycling distance. There have been repeated concerns about safety in the area, particularly for students cycling.

The stretch of road is also used by the parish church, a children’s nursery and people staying at the nearby camping and caravan site.

Crossing near the bend (close to the start of a 40mph speed limit) has been a long-standing safety concern for the local community. The new crossing and extended footway will give pedestrians and cyclists more space to wait and cross safely.

This 40mph speed limit on Dorchester Road will be reduced to 30mph, which will extend to the existing 30mph limit at Upton.

Bus stops will be added on both sides of the road near the crossing, providing closer access for students.

Work is due to start on 22 July and is expected to take around four weeks under temporary three-way traffic signals. Resurfacing and line painting will take place overnight under a road closure with a signed diversion route in place.

Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council Cabinet Member for Place Services, said:

“This section of road can be challenging for people trying to cross, especially at busy times, and local people have raised concerns for many years.

“The improvements will make a real difference by providing a safer place to cross, slowing traffic and making it easier for young people and families to travel to and from the school safely.

“I thank the local community and Lytchett Minster & Upton Town Council for their co-operation and patience while we’ve worked towards this point, and I thank motorists for their understanding while we carry out this work.”

The scheme is partly funded by the Department for Transport’s Active Travel Fund, which supports councils to make it easier and safer for people to make everyday journeys on foot, by bike or using mobility aids.

Separate from the Dorchester Road crossing scheme, following safety concerns, speed limits on other roads in the Lytchett Minster area will also be reduced this August, to either 30mph or 40mph. The public traffic regulation order (TRO) consultation on these proposals took place earlier this year. See the Public Consultation map and order.