We’re investigating options to provide a safer route for local people across Julian’s Bridge.
One option is to provide a footway on the bridge and to restrict traffic to a single lane controlled by traffic signals. To explore whether this is possible, we will be trialling traffic lights to create space for a temporary footway.
We will be gathering evidence during the trial to help develop a long-term solution for people to cross Julian’s Bridge safely.
Julian’s Bridge is Grade I Listed. The bridge has a carriageway for two-way traffic with an average width of 5.4m, which is substandard, and pedestrians currently must walk in the carriageway and use the three refuges positioned within the parapets on each side to avoid traffic. Dorset Police have recorded injury collisions where pedestrians have been struck by vehicles on the bridge.
To improve conditions and provide a safer environment for pedestrians, controlling vehicles with shuttle signals – to alternate one-way flow across the bridge – would allow space for a dedicated pedestrian lane.
The reallocation of road space would also reduce the likelihood of vehicles colliding with the bridge parapet. Parapet strikes often lead to the bridge being fully closed while repairs are carried out and cause significant disruption.
Sturminster Newton Bridge on B3092 is a local Dorset example of a shuttle working system on a Grade I Listed Structure, as is the Town Bridge in Christchurch.
When considering options to improve pedestrian safety, a new, separate bridge – similar to the one at Canford Bridge – is unlikely to be approved due to the higher Grade I listing of Julian’s Bridge.
Proposed trial
Traffic modelling has previously been carried out and suggests the introduction of single way working over the bridge could work without significantly increasing delays.
Due to concerns about queuing traffic and the impact of this on the local road network, we will be trialling shuttle signals to fully assess the feasibility of signals at this location.
From Tuesday 26 May to Friday 3 July we plan to install:
- a temporary footway on the south side of the bridge
- one-way traffic lane controlled by temporary lights
Julian's Bridge signal trial layout
When the trial ends, the bridge will return to its previous layout.
We have purposefully chosen to have the trial in place during the busy Wimborne Folk Festival as both pedestrian and vehicle demand is significant during this time, providing a good test of the impact during a peak period.
We will be collecting data and monitoring displaced traffic, as well as traffic speeds and journey times in the area before, during and after the trial. During the trial, a survey will be available for residents and road users submit comments and give their views on the impact of the temporary shuttle signals.
The trial and data collection from it will inform any future plans for pedestrian provision at this location. It will help us understand whether traffic signals could offer a long-term, safe alternative, or whether a separate bridge is the only suitable option.
Because the area is busy, some delays between Lake Gates and Wimborne are likely during the trial. We will monitor queue lengths and any changes in local traffic patterns, where possible, and adjust the signals accordingly.
Thank you for your patience while we explore options for a safer crossing.
Background of the scheme
In July 2024, a Joint Julian’s Bridge Working Group was formed with representatives from Colehill Town Council, Corfe Mullen Town Council, Lytchett Minster and Upton Town Council, Pamphill and Shapwick Parish Council and Wimborne Minster Town Council.
The councils recognised a significant increase in pedestrian and cyclist movements between Corfe Mullen and Wimborne Minster, including students travelling to Queen Elizabeth's School, commuters, families and residents, festival visitors, horse riders and recreational users.
The main route via Wimborne Road, the A31 Lake Gates Roundabout and the B3078 (Julian’s Road) includes Julian’s Bridge, which has no dedicated pedestrian footway and only narrow refuges, creating safety concerns.
The Working Group has described the situation as a “Local Travel Emergency”, citing:
- increasing traffic volumes
- unsafe walking and cycling conditions
- a lack of continuous cycleways and safe crossing infrastructure
- growing populations in both communities
The ambition is to create a safe, sustainable 21st-century active travel corridor between Corfe Mullen and Wimborne Minster.
You can find out more about the working group on Wimborne Town Council committee web pages.
Collision data
There have been 12 incidents of vehicles colliding with the bridge parapets in the last 25 years, requiring repairs to the bridge.
There have been five injury collisions reported in the last five years.