TWO pedestrian crossings first installed 20 years ago in Dorchester’s town centre will be upgraded – with work starting at the end of the month.

Dorset Council said the crossings at High West Street and High East Street are reaching the end of their maintainable life, and updated equipment will make them safer and easier to use by all.

Modern technology will improve traffic management, and the new operating systems will reduce the need for extensive digging during future maintenance.

The work will take place in phases:

• High West Street, pedestrian crossing near the Dorset Museum from October 28 for two weeks. During the work, signs will direct pedestrians to an alternative crossing nearby.
• High East Street pedestrian crossing, near the High Street, Fordington turning, from November 11. The council said it aims to complete this section by December 13, weather permitting. During the work, temporary signals will replace the existing crossing, so traffic flow is maintained and disruption kept to a minimum for drivers and pedestrians.

Councillor Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s cabinet member for place services, said: “We are upgrading these crossings as part of our ongoing traffic signal refurbishment programme.

“The equipment at these locations was installed nearly 20 years ago and modern signalling has moved on a lot in that time.

“Using the latest technology and installation methods, the new crossings will improve the experience for pedestrians and the smart technology will adapt to current traffic conditions to keep traffic flowing.

“As the work takes place, we’ll keep disruption to a minimum but, as always, we thank you in advance for your patience.”

The work will be funded by central government.