Safety schemes in the South West region
We're delivering targeted safety schemes in the South West. This is part of our ongoing commitment to reduce the number of people harmed on the region's roads.
What we're doing
Safety is and always will be our number one priority. That's why our ambition remains that no-one should be harmed while travelling or working on our roads.
Our aim is to improve road safety for all road users by making targeted safety imporovements, which we anticipate will reduce the frequency and severity of collisions.
Improvements are identified and prioritised using evidence, including collision data, injury severity, risk assessments and insights into driver behaviour.
Locations
A35 Charmouth to Yellowham
Upcoming works
17 to 21 August (9am-4pm)
Temporary two-way lights will be in place in Chideock to allow for electrical works to be carried out safely.
Please be aware that, at times, no workforce may be visible on site while materials cure or set, but temporary traffic lights will remain in place for safety.
24 to 28 August
Works previously scheduled for the week commencing 24 August in Chideock and Morecombelake have been postponed following a review of expected traffic levels on the A35 during this period.
Due to seasonal traffic being higher than anticipated, the works will now take place in autumn 2026 to minimise disruption for road users.
Further details will be published once dates are confirmed.
7 to 11 September (9am-5pm)
There will be lane one and lay-by closures on both the eastbound and westbound carriageways of the A35 Dorchester Road, between White Way, and the sections where the road becomes a dual carriageway (eastbound), and just after the junction with Long Bredy Hut Lane (westbound).
These restrictions are required to enable the installation of weight limit signs.
We apologise in advance for any delays to your journey while we complete these improvements safely.
For information on works on the A35 outside of this safety scheme, visit South West maintenance schemes.
Please remember that closures can change at short notice. You can find the latest information on our daily closures page or check for current incidents, disruptions and delays. Our travel alerts give details of high priority incidents on our network.
Background
The A35 between Charmouth and Yellowham is mainly single carriageway with several villages along the route. Due to the number and severity of collisions and the constrained nature of the road, we’ve made safety improvements to help reduce deaths and serious injuries. These include signage, road marking, and kerb works. We’ve also completed statutory processes to install average speed cameras and reduce speed limits as follows:
- new 50mph limit - between Berne Lane and Tizard Knap;
- new 50mph limit - between Coombe Road and Monkey’s Jump Roundabout;
- new 50mph limit - between West Stinsford Roundabout and the overbridge at Cuckoo Lane Junction;
- new 40mph limit - extension between Tizzard’s Knap Junction and Ryall (Star Lane);
- new 40mph limit - between Howard Road Junction and Firch Lane;
- new 30mph limit - between Hollow Way junction and Howard Road junction;
- new 50mph limit - between Long Bredy Hut Lane and Winterbourne Abbas.
These improvements have been shaped with input from parish councils, Dorset Police, road safety partnerships and local MPs.
A38 Liskeard to Trerulefoot
Overview
We’ve performed surveys and investigations to help identify improvement opportunities.
This included reviewing:
- safety data for the route and key collision black spots
- traffic flows and movement round junctions on the A38 and local side roads
We've also assessed:
- junctions, signage, road markings safety barriers and road layouts
- agricultural vehicle movements
- pedestrian, cyclists and horse-rider movements
- environmental improvements which we could incorporate into our scheme
We’ve also gathered information, ideas and opinions from local stakeholders. We’re keen to use local knowledge, advice and experience.
What's next
We'll hold a public information in Liskeard this autumn. We'll explain our proposals and you'll be able give us your feedback. We'll give dates here when they're confirmed.
Background
The A38 between Liskeard and Trerulefoot suffers from a significant level of collisions, particularly at junctions.
By improving this section of road, we aim to:
- reduce the number, severity and frequency of incidents for the travelling public and local communities
- reduce delays resulting from accidents
- improve the experience of driving on the A38
This work is to improve safety and won't change capacity along the A38.
Project information
Benefits
Safety is and will always be our number one priority.
Our ambition remains that no-one should be harmed while travelling or working on our roads.
Achieving this shared vision will benefit:
- the country as a whole
- families and individuals whose lives continue to be affected by collisions on our roads.
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