Local people are being asked for their thoughts on proposals to make Fairfield Road in Dorchester safer for pedestrians.
The road serves as a link between the two Dorchester railway stations and provides access to Brewery Square from Fairfield Car Park. It is currently open to cars and pedestrians but has no pavement, meaning walkers and wheelchair-users are forced to use the road.
We are seeking views from local residents, the town council and businesses on our proposals that would improve the accessibility and safety of the route by:
- Creating a wide footway along the length of Fairfield Road
- Providing safer crossing points across Fairfield Road at junctions
- Installing a new access into the car park directly from the railway station (from Copper Street)
- Providing better street lighting on Fairfield Road
- Restricting vehicle access to Fairfield Road at the Weymouth Avenue end, creating a pedestrianised space in this busy area
Future local funding could further enhance the eastern public realm space with benches and planters.
Councillor Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “Improving this part of Fairfield Road will enable people to get around more safely on foot and by wheelchair.
“It’s a popular part of town, and we want to hear how people currently use the road and what they think about our proposals.”
People will be able to have their say until 17 March 2023 at consultation.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/transport-policy/fairfield-road
Paper copies of the consultation will also be available at Dorchester Library and at the front desk at County Hall.
Funding for the work will come from the Government’s Active Travel Fund which aims to improve walking, wheeling and cycling for all
Maybe look first at Maumbury Rd / Weymouth Avenue junction
There was a promise of this long before Fairfield
It’s so dangerous for school kids / older people
Only one green man crossing point
Pretty poor !
Yes make the road vehicles only no pedestrians or cycling what do they contribute to the roads, motor vehicles only,
I really believe this will be very good for that area, it will make it a lot safer. Plus it will make the area far more attractive.
I think it would be sensible to have a footpath as proposed, but I don’t see the point in blocking off one end of the road .
I agree with the previous comment re the Maumbury Rd/Weymouth Avenue junction. It’s very dangerous for pedestrians.
The current pedestrian crossing from brewery square to the Dukes building is very often bypassed as people cross ten yards south as they are going to the main car park, therefore putting themselves at risk crossing on the zig-zags.. A pedestrian access point at the south east corner of this carpark would be desirable .