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

There will be a future opportunity to make formal comments during the Statutory Consultation required for the final proposed design.

Subject to all necessary consents being approved, work will take place during the school summer holidays 2025.

Noise 

Tabletop junctions typically do not generate the same increase in noise or vibration as a speed bump due to their geometric design – the vehicles rise the same height (75mm) but over two metres horizontally, removing or reducing the ’impact’ noise. Likewise, the long tabletop and gradual decent (75mm over 2m) means the ’drop’ noise is also reduced compared to a speed bump.

Minimising noise and vibration has been considered when designing the proposed tabletop junction, including:

• geometry: 2m long extended ramps to reduce impact/drop
• route assessment to ensure traffic calming is an appropriate solution; minimal large vehicles/HGV’s etc found to be using the affected roads
• speed assessment undertaken to ensure vehicle speeds are appropriate for a tabletop junction and zebra crossing, which are also expected to reduce vehicle speeds, further reducing noise
• surface material carefully chosen to minimise skidding or wheel turning noises