Dorchester Road Improvements, Lytchett Minster

To improve safety for the local community, especially children and young people attending nearby schools, we will make a range of improvements along this section of road. 

What we are doing

We will carry out the following works during the school summer holidays:

• a new shared pedestrian and cycle crossing point
• a new section of footway linking to the existing footway to the south
• an extension to the 30mph speed limit towards Upton
• new bus stops on both sides of the road near the crossing

These improvements will make it safer and easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle along this section of road.

Why the work is needed

Students at Lytchett Minster School who live in Upton are within walking and cycling distance of the school. However, there are concerns about safety, particularly for people cycling along Dorchester Road.

This section of road is used by a range of people, including visitors to the nearby camping and caravan site, the parish church and a nursery.

Crossing near the bend, close to the start of the 40mph speed limit, has also been identified as a safety concern.

How this will help

The improvements will:

•    provide a safer and more convenient place to cross
•    create more space for people to wait before crossing
•    reduce vehicle speeds by extending the 30mph limit
•    improve access to public transport with new bus stops

Extending the lower speed limit will also help reduce early acceleration as vehicles leave the village.

When the work will take place

Work will start on 22 July and is expected to take around 4 weeks.

Most of the work will be carried out under temporary three-way traffic signals. 

Resurfacing and line marking will take place overnight under a road closure. A signed diversion route will be in place.

Message from Dorset Council

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