Safety upgrades on A30 this autumn

Work to improve safety at Loscombe Crossroads on the A30 near Sherborne will begin on Monday 29 September 2025.

There have been a number of serious and fatal crashes at the crossroads in recent years. To help prevent further tragedies, the crossroads will be closed, temporary safety barriers installed and road signs updated.  

The work is expected to take around four weeks to complete. Once finished, the new layout will remain in place for up to 18 months. During this time, traffic patterns will be monitored to help decide whether the changes should be made permanent.

What to expect during construction

To keep both the public and workforce safe, the following temporary traffic management measures will be in place during the work:

• Reduced speed limits through the work zone
• Lane closures on the A30
• Short-term closures on Marl Lane and Old Compton Lane
• Advance warning signs to help drivers plan ahead

Restrictions at the Over Compton junction

To reduce dangerous crossing movements:

• Right-turns, U-turns, and straight-over movements will no longer be allowed for vehicles entering or exiting Marl Lane and Old Compton Lane at the junction
• Only left-in and left-out movements will be permitted
• Pedestrian and cycle access across the A30 will remain open

These changes follow a formal report from HM Senior Coroner for Dorset, issued after the tragic death of Charlotte Avis in December 2022. Charlotte was killed when another vehicle crossed into her lane at the Over Compton junction.

The Coroner’s report highlighted eight collisions at this junction between 2014 and 2025, resulting in multiple injuries and four deaths, three of which occurred in the last four years.

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

“We were deeply saddened by Charlotte’s death and extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends, as well as to all those affected by other incidents where people have been killed or seriously injured at this junction.

“We are taking this action to prevent further tragedies and make the A30 safer for everyone.

“We are conducting a feasibility study to explore the introduction of average speed cameras along this stretch of the A30. This would help ensure compliance with the new 60mph speed limit and support long-term safety improvements.

“If we do not see a significant reduction in speeding and collisions, further measures may be considered. These could include changes to other junctions along the A30 between Sherborne and Yeovil.

“Thank you for your patience while we carry out this important work. Please drive carefully wherever you are.”

Find out more about the scheme

See the previous news release