Upgrade of signal-controlled junction (52SC) and improvements to cycle facilities.
One of the busiest traffic hot-spots in Sherborne is being upgraded to reduce traffic jams and cut pollution. The Newell junction on the A30 at Kitt Hill will be widened to make it easier and quicker for traffic to turn right on to Marston Road.
Work begins on 25 July 2022 and will take 16 weeks to complete. The project will run simultaneously with final safety improvements to Kitt Hill to minimise disruption for motorists. All the roads feeding into the Newell Junction will remain open to keep traffic moving while work is completed.
The project – announced by Dorset Council – follows a long campaign by two Sherborne town councillors who both agreed that, once the work is complete, it will make a huge difference for drivers and residents and is great news.
As part of the junction upgrade, a new right-turn lane is being added to aid westbound A30 traffic turning into Marston Road and the overall signal-controlled area is being reduced in size. These alterations will improve the efficiency of the junction and mean fewer delays for drivers.
To provide space for the additional right-turn lane, the pavement next to the A30 between Back Lane and Cornhill is being moved to the back of the verge and upgraded to a shared walkway/cycleway to improve off-road cycle links around the junction. All the crossings at the junction will also be upgraded to the cycle-friendly ‘toucan’ type.
A plan showing the extent of the works is shown below or for a larger version click here
These positive improvements will be beneficial to not only road users but pedestrians and cyclists as well.
To help the flow of traffic during the works, drivers are being asked to plan ahead and think carefully about their route around the town centre, allowing extra time for journeys or use a different route than usual.
Unfortunately, with this sort of work, some inconvenience may be caused but Dorset Council will ensure that it is kept to a minimum. If you feel the work is likely to cause any particular problems, which could be helped by special arrangements e.g. for anyone with a mobility problem or for special deliveries you might be expecting, please contact the Scheme Engineer.
Should you have any problems or reasons for complaint whilst work is going on, it would be helpful if you could let our Project Manager know at once. He will then be able to ensure that the earliest possible action is taken to overcome them.
For site specific issues during the works, please contact the Contractors Site Agent, Tony Price on 01305 221020 and for general scheme issues please contact Roger Bell, Project Manager, Highway Improvements on 01305 221670.
In case of an emergency occurring outside of working hours, please phone 01305 221000 where your message will be passed on to our Dorset Council duty engineer.