Wimborne bridge footway and signals trial to end early

Julian’s Bridge in Wimborne will reopen fully to two-way traffic on Thursday 18 June.

The current temporary single lane layout will stay in place during the Wimborne Folk Festival this weekend (13/14 June) and into the start of the week. This will enable Dorset Council to collect important data when the bridge is busiest with people on foot, as large numbers of people visit the festival.

The trial has been testing whether temporary traffic signals and a dedicated pedestrian space can make the bridge safer and easier to cross, particularly during busy periods and major events.

We have decided to end the trial early after receiving a high level of public feedback. Nearly 3,000 people have completed the council’s survey and there has been extensive traffic monitoring of journeys, speeds and the impact across the wider area.

This feedback will be used to assess whether traffic signal control could be a suitable way of helping pedestrians cross the bridge safely.

The survey will remain open until later into the summer

The council recognises that the trial has been challenging at times, particularly during peak traffic periods. Feedback from residents, businesses and road users has been a key part of the process.

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

“We know this trial has been difficult for people, especially when the road has been busy, but we are listening to what residents and businesses tell us.

“The huge response to our survey and the data we’ve collected illustrates how the single lane works in practice for vehicle movement over the bridge and in the local area.

“However, we also need to gather data when large numbers cross on foot. Keeping the trial in place over the Folk Festival will give us this valuable insight when the bridge is at its busiest for pedestrians.

“That means we can bring the trial to an earlier close and reopen the bridge fully on Thursday 18 June.

“This is about making sure any future decisions are based on clear evidence. We need to find the right balance between keeping people safe, keeping traffic moving and respecting the bridge’s historic status as a Grade 1 listed structure.

“I thank everyone who took the time to share their views and helped us reach this point. Thank you too for your patience.”

Anyone attending the Wimborne Folk Festival this weekend is advised that parking will be available on the outskirts of the town and to allow extra time for their journey.

Find out more about travel and parking for the festival

The evidence gathered will be reviewed in full to help inform any future plans for the bridge  

The bridge will close temporarily on Thursday 18 June so traffic lights and cones can be removed, before fully reopening later the same day. Specific timings will be shared before Thursday, and a signed road closure will be in place.

We will share further updates once the findings of the trial have been reviewed.