We are currently working on a scheme to enhance the safety of the junction of Clarence Road with Queens Avenue in Dorchester.
This is a very busy junction both with pedestrian and vehicle movements, and its current layout has led to some drivers hesitant and unsure of priority.
Our aim is to provide clear pedestrian priority, including a controlled crossing, to improve the safety for vulnerable users and create a safer route for school children.
The scheme will also contribute to encouraging healthy, active, independent travel opportunities for the wider community.
Our proposal is to:
- introduce a zebra crossing on Clarence Road in the location of the existing school crossing patrol, which the crossing will replace
- give priority to Clarence Road vehicles, with Queens Avenue acting as sideroads with give way markings.
- tighten up all the approaches to the junction to slow vehicles and provide crossing points (dropped kerbs and tactile paving) on each route
To help control vehicle speeds, we also propose to have the entire junction on a raised table. This would be 3m long on Clarence Road and 2m wide across Queens Avenue.
View the design proposal for a zebra crossing and raised table
Construction
Following public consultation, the legal notices required for the scheme have been approved and the scheme will be built in July/August 2026 during the school summer holidays.
We had been hopeful to build the scheme in summer 2025, unfortunately, trial holes uncovered additional work that needs to be carried out before highway work can begin.
There are many utilities under the road in this residential area. Prior to the trial holes, results from a ground penetrating radar survey and statutory undertaker infrastructure maps informed our road surface levels design. However, trial holes revealed that low voltage electricity cables on Queen’s Avenue are not at the required/standard depth. This means the cables must be lowered to ensure that sufficient road cover is maintained over the apparatus.
Cabling works
From Monday 30 March to Friday 10 April, three-way traffic lights will be in operation at the Queen’s Avenue/Clarence Road junction, and the eastern section of Queen’s Avenue will be closed to through traffic.
Traffic management plan showing the layout and restrictions that will be in place.
These measures will provide a safe working area while electricity cables are lowered ahead of our main works this summer. Access to properties will be maintained.
We will be completing trenching and ducting work during the first week and SSE will be lowering the cables during the second week.
SSE will notify service users directly if there is any likelihood of disruption to supply.