MAJOR safety improvements have been made to a notorious crossing in Dorchester.

One of the town’s busiest crossings, the Maumbury junction, has seen new signal-controlled pedestrian crossings installed which will not only make it easier for pedestrians to use but also improved traffic flow.

Footpaths have been widened and levelled to aid those with pushchairs or mobility aids and a new cycleway and advanced stop line have been created on the uphill section.

A puffin crossing has also been moved closer to Queens Avenue to replace the previous crossing on the railway bridge to aid schoolchildren.

Dorchester resident Geoff said the improvements have made a “tremendous” difference to overall safety.

“The pavements have been made wider, smoother and much better for getting across,” he said.

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“There is now a pedestrian crossing on every road in the junction which makes it safe now for pedestrians and everyone crossing.

“The crossings have been done in such a way in which they don’t interfere with the traffic and yet they are totally safe for pedestrians so, all in all, a vast improvement for the junction.

“Thank you to the workforce that have done the work. Despite the challenges they faced during the works, they were always polite and helpful in assisting anyone in getting across the roads.”

The project began in mid-January and aimed to make the junction which sees 15,000 vehicles pass through each day safer for all.

Councillor Jon Andrews, cabinet member for place services at Dorset Council, said he is delighted with the new layout.

“It is now safer, more accessible and more efficient for everyone, whether walking, wheeling, cycling or driving. We’re grateful to everyone for their patience during the works.

“Our in-house highways team transformed the junction and I thank them for completing the project on time.

“I also want to thank all those thousands of people who depend on the junction for their understanding while we carried out these much-needed improvements.”

The project was shaped by community feedback, including valuable input from the Dorchester Access Group.

The works were supported through central government funding and Dorset Council’s capital investment programme to provide upgraded, safer roads and better transport systems.