Drivers brace for disruption as temporary lights get installed on historic Dorset bridge

Drivers in Dorset have been warned to prepare for major delays as temporary traffic lights are introduced on one of Wimborne's busiest historic bridges.

Dorset Council is launching a six-week trial on Julian's Bridge this week in a bid to improve safety for pedestrians and test whether a separate footbridge may eventually be needed.

The Grade I listed bridge, which dates back to the 17th century, crosses the River Stour and is considered too narrow to safely cope with both modern traffic and pedestrians at the same time.

Under the trial, temporary traffic lights will control one-way traffic over the bridge, creating enough room for a temporary pedestrian walkway along part of the road.

The move is expected to cause disruption between Lake Gates roundabout and Wimborne town centre, particularly during busy periods and the upcoming Wimborne Folk Festival.

Local councillor Andy Todd admitted the plan would frustrate motorists but insisted the disruption was necessary to prove a long-term solution is needed.

He said: "This trial on Julian's Bridge will not be popular, it will be inconvenient, but it is expected to prove that traffic lights are not a viable solution for this Grade I listed bridge, and thus justify spending the public's money building a separate pedestrian crossing.

Mr Todd also urged residents to remain patient during the trial. "Trust the process. It will be worth it in the end."

Julian's Bridge currently has no proper pavement, forcing pedestrians to share the narrow road with cars, vans and lorries.

Road signs on the approach to the bridge warn drivers that there is "no footway" as the road tightens over the hump-backed crossing.

Dorset Council said safety concerns around the bridge have grown in recent years due to increasing traffic and repeated accidents.

According to the authority, there have been 12 incidents involving vehicles crashing into the bridge parapets over the past 25 years.

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The council also warned that at least five injury crashes have happened in the last five years alone.

Officials now believe reducing the bridge to one-way traffic during the trial will help them understand whether safer arrangements can be introduced permanently. However, the council has stressed that no final decisions have yet been made.

A Dorset Council spokesperson said: "This is a trial only, designed to gather evidence and understand the impact on residents, businesses and road users before any future decisions are considered."

The bridge itself will be closed completely to vehicles from tomorrow between 9.30am and 3.30pm while contractors install the traffic lights and temporary barriers.

Cyclists and pedestrians will still be allowed through during the installation work. Residents are also being encouraged to share their opinions during the six-week test period.

People can complete online surveys or fill in paper questionnaires available at Wimborne and Corfe Mullen libraries.

The temporary lights are expected to remain in place until July 3. The scheme has already sparked debate among local residents, with some worried that traffic congestion could become far worse in surrounding areas.