DORSET Council will be upgrading two pedestrian crossings in Dorchester town centre.

The crossings at High West Street and High East Street are reaching the end of their maintainable life, so the council says updated equipment will make them safer and easier to use.

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

The work will take place in phases, as follows

• High West Street, pedestrian crossing near the Dorset Museum from 28 October for 2 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 11 November. We aim to complete this section by 13 December, 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.

Cllr 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.