Road opens three years after being completed

A new road linking the eastern and western sides of a Dorset town has opened three years after construction was completed.

The road in Gillingham is called Madjeston Way, the name put forward by the town council, and spans just under one mile (1.3km).

Dorset Council said the route, informally known as Kiln Way during the development phase, formed a key part of the town's southern expansion. It said the road would give residents and visitors an alternative route across the town, helping to ease pressure on existing roads.

Although construction of the road finished in 2023, linking New Road with Shaftesbury Road, it remained closed while the surrounding housing development progressed.

The council said with the housing development now at a stage where the route can safely open, it would be available for use by all.

The speed limit is 30mph, with shared‑use off‑road cycleways and footways along both sides of the carriageway.

Traffic signals have been installed at the eastern end where it connects to Shaftesbury Road.

Councillor Jack Jeanes, cabinet member for place services at Dorset Council, said: "Opening this road is an important step in supporting the new homes and community facilities, while also providing an additional route for everyday journeys.

"Residents and local businesses have waited a long time to see this road open, and we know how much it matters.

"As development continues around it, we're asking everyone to use the road responsibly and look out for one another."

The road, which was designed and built to unlock land for new homes and facilities, including a primary school, health services and sports pitches, will be maintained by Dorset Council as part of its wider highway network.

As housing construction continues alongside the route, drivers, cyclists and pedestrians are advised to take extra care and be aware of construction vehicles and increased activity entering and leaving the site.

The road was funded through a £6.31m bid by Dorset Council to the government's Housing Infrastructure Fund, which supports essential infrastructure needed for housing growth.

The funding covered the road's design, planning approval and construction, Dorset Council said.

It added that the costs would be recovered from developers and reinvested by the council into other housing projects.