A MAJOR roadworks project in Dorchester is a step closer to completion – as engineers prepare to move to another site in the town.

Work to upgrade and improve the Great Western Cross junction is coming to an end, with the main construction work set to finish tonight. (April 21)

The temporary signals at the junction will still be in place – but on a two-way phase from tomorrow morning – while Siemens continue to install and connect new signal heads.

Some small works left to do include ducting along Great Western Road, replacing the tactile paving outside the fish and chip shop and installing bollards on the new build-out at Station Approach. The new junction should be operating by Friday, May 12.

The scheme is part of the Dorchester Transport and Environment Plan (DTEP), a series of traffic measures.

From Monday, April 24 work will start down the road at the South Gate junction to upgrade the pedestrian crossings, and link the crossings on South Walks Road, Trinity Street and Great Western Road to improve traffic flow.

This junction will be on three-way temporary signals throughout the work, starting on Monday, and there will be night work during the first week. Residents will still be able to access properties within the closed section of road, but there will be no through traffic.

Trinity Street will remain open during the night closures, and bus services will be diverted.

South Walks Road (from Acland Road to Prince of Wales Road) and Prince of Wales Road (from Culliford Road North to South Walks Road) will be closed:

From 8pm on Monday, April 24 to 6am on Tuesday, April 25

From 8pm on Tuesday, April 25 to 6am on Wednesday, April 26

From 8pm on Wednesday, April 26 to 6am on Thursday, April 27

Weymouth Avenue (from Fairfield Road to Trinity Street) and Great Western Road will be closed:

From 8pm on Thursday, April 27 to 6am on Friday, April 28

From 8pm on Friday, April 29 to 6am on Saturday, April 30.

Emma Baker, Dorset Highways project engineer, said: "We appreciate that there is a lot of work going on in the centre of Dorchester at the moment, and it's frustrating for drivers and pedestrians. Please bear with us and try to allow extra time for your journeys across town - businesses in Dorchester are still open as usual."

Full details of the work being done as part of the Dorchester Transport and Environment Plan (DTEP) can be found at dorsetforyou.com/DTEP