Work to upgrade a junction and pedestrian crossings to improve safety for schoolchildren is due to begin.
Improvements to equipment, crossings and the junction at the Damers Road end of Williams Avenue, in Dorchester, will start on Monday and continue until April, Dorset Council said.
The road will be closed eastbound for four weeks and temporary traffic arrangements will be in place.
Families have called for safer crossings and better cycling links on the route, which is used by pupils attending Damers First School, Dorchester Middle School and The Thomas Hardye School.
The scheme will include more responsive traffic signals, new pedestrian crossings and a wider footway on the south side of Damers Road to create a cycle link to Alexandra Road.
Cycle lanes will also be added along Williams Avenue leading up to the junction.
The council said the changes would create a safer, largely traffic‑free route for children.
Council cabinet member Jon Andrews said the upgrade had been “long‑awaited”.
“The new route will link the town centre with key destinations in west Dorchester, including schools, the leisure centre and Poundbury,” he said.
“Without it, children cycling to school would have to use the main road, which carries high levels of traffic.
“Our officers recently visited Damers First School and heard first-hand from the Eco Club about the challenges of getting to school safely.
“The school has campaigned for this for years, so I’m delighted we’re delivering a safer route for children.”
The programme will complete improvement works on both ends of Williams Avenue, following previous upgrades at the Bridport Road junction.
