Work Begins Tonight: Roads Closed as Junction Upgrade Gets Underway

Motorists should be aware that a sequence of nighttime road closures will begin this evening as part of ongoing junction enhancement projects in Dorchester.

The construction at the four-way Maumbury Cross junction is nearing completion, with activities such as road surfacing, line marking, and installing signal connections planned as follows (work will take place from 8 pm to 6 am).

Dorset Council states that because of the type of work required and the significant volume of traffic at the intersection, it cannot be conducted during daylight hours.

They have informed the relevant households in the vicinity about the noise generated from the work and advised that the process of removing the road surface will lead to vibrations.

Pedestrians will remain able to use the area, with a secure pathway clearly marked throughout the night-time operations. Emergency services will continue to have access to premises inside the closed-off zone.

Night work:

• From Monday, April 28 through Friday, May 2 (ending at 6 am on Saturday) – road resurfacing work will be conducted.

• Tuesday, May 6 and Wednesday, May 7 (ending at 6 am on Thursday) – line painting.

• From Wednesday, May 7 to Friday, May 9, and extending until Tuesday morning at 6 am on May 12 – conducting 'slot cutting' for pavement removal and setting up sensors for new traffic lights.

The new traffic signals will be connected in the week commencing Monday, May 12.

The below routes will be shut off during the nighttime construction work:

• Weymouth Avenue was shut off between Cheriton Care Home and Great Western Road.

• Maumbury Road has been shut from number 18 up to where it meets Great Western Road.

A local diversion with proper signage will be implemented.

Work started in January at the junction.

It includes installation of much-needed signal-controlled pedestrian crossing points, widening and levelling of footways, where possible, and upgrading existing equipment.

Subject to any changes, the new junction will be fully open and operating by mid-May. The Edward Road closure will also be removed at this time.

Councillor Jon Andrews, cabinet member for place services, Dorset Council, said: "As we reach the final couple of weeks, the work is going to be noisy and may cause disturbance.

I understand it can be annoying that this has to happen during the night instead of the day, however, due to traffic flow issues, it isn’t possible otherwise. Thank you for your understanding.

I extend my gratitude to those impacted for their patience and persistence during these concluding phases. I'm pleased with how the project has advanced according to schedule.

I'm extremely thankful to drivers for their cooperation throughout the project, and to walkers for their support as we rerouted their usual routes.

Lastly, immense gratitude goes out to our highway team for keeping this initiative on track.

"I look forward to seeing the temporary signals removed and all users being able to enjoy a smoother passage through the junction."