We’re investigating options to provide a safer route for local people across Julian’s Bridge.
One option is to provide a footway on the bridge and to restrict traffic to a single lane controlled by traffic signals. To explore whether this is possible, we have completed a trial; with traffic lights creating space for a temporary footway.
We are continuing to gather evidence following the end of trial.
Give your views
We want to hear your views on the footway & signal trial to understand the impacts on residents, businesses and visitors to the area
Julian’s Bridge is Grade I Listed. The bridge has a carriageway for two-way traffic with an average width of 5.4m, which is substandard, and pedestrians currently must walk in the carriageway and use the three refuges positioned within the parapets on each side to avoid traffic. Dorset Police have recorded injury collisions where pedestrians have been struck by vehicles on the bridge.
To improve conditions and provide a safer environment for pedestrians, controlling vehicles with shuttle signals – to alternate one-way flow across the bridge – would allow space for a dedicated pedestrian lane.
The reallocation of road space would also reduce the likelihood of vehicles colliding with the bridge parapet. Parapet strikes often lead to the bridge being fully closed while repairs are carried out and cause significant disruption.
Sturminster Newton Bridge on B3092 is a local Dorset example of a shuttle working system on a Grade I Listed Structure, as is the Town Bridge in Christchurch.
When considering options to improve pedestrian safety, a new, separate bridge – similar to the one at Canford Bridge – is unlikely to be approved due to the higher Grade I listing of Julian’s Bridge.
Footway trial
Traffic modelling has previously been carried out and suggests the introduction of single way working over the bridge could work without significantly increasing delays.
Due to concerns about queuing traffic and the impact of this on the local road network, we have trialled shuttle signals to fully assess the feasibility of signals at this location.
The footway trial took place from Tuesday 26 May 2026 to Thursday 18 June 2026 with:
- a temporary footway on the south side of the bridge
- one-way traffic lane controlled by temporary lights
Julian's Bridge signal trial layout
The bridge has now returned to its previous layout.
The trial and data collection from it will inform any future plans for pedestrian provision at this location. It will help us understand whether traffic signals could offer a long-term, safe alternative, or whether a separate bridge is the only suitable option.
Thank you for your patience while we explore options for a safer crossing.
Background of the scheme
In July 2024, a Joint Julian’s Bridge Working Group was formed with representatives from Colehill Town Council, Corfe Mullen Town Council, Lytchett Minster and Upton Town Council, Pamphill and Shapwick Parish Council and Wimborne Minster Town Council.
The councils recognised a significant increase in pedestrian and cyclist movements between Corfe Mullen and Wimborne Minster, including students travelling to Queen Elizabeth's School, commuters, families and residents, festival visitors, horse riders and recreational users.
The main route via Wimborne Road, the A31 Lake Gates Roundabout and the B3078 (Julian’s Road) includes Julian’s Bridge, which has no dedicated pedestrian footway and only narrow refuges, creating safety concerns.
The Working Group has described the situation as a “Local Travel Emergency”, citing:
- increasing traffic volumes
- unsafe walking and cycling conditions
- a lack of continuous cycleways and safe crossing infrastructure
- growing populations in both communities
The ambition is to create a safe, sustainable 21st-century active travel corridor between Corfe Mullen and Wimborne Minster.
You can find out more about the working group on Wimborne Town Council committee web pages.
Collision data
There have been 12 incidents of vehicles colliding with the bridge parapets in the last 25 years, requiring repairs to the bridge.
There have been five injury collisions reported in the last five years.