New road linking east and west Gillingham now open
The road was finished in 2023 but stayed shut while nearby homes were built
A new road linking the eastern and western sides of Gillingham in north Dorset is now open.
Madjeston Way is 1.3km (just under 1 mile) long and connects New Road (B3092) with Shaftesbury Road (B3081).
The route was informally known as Kiln Way during development, but Madjeston Way, the name put forward by Gillingham Town Council, is now its official name.
Dorset Council said the road forms a key part of the town's southern expansion. It said it offers people an alternative way to travel across Gillingham and eases pressure on existing routes.
Why it has only just opened
Construction of the road was completed in 2023, but it remained closed while the surrounding housing development progressed.
The council said the development has now reached a stage where the route can safely open to everyone.
What drivers, cyclists and pedestrians need to know
The speed limit on Madjeston Way is 30mph.
Shared-use off-road cycleways and footways run along both sides of the carriageway.
Traffic signals have been installed at the eastern end, where the road meets Shaftesbury Road.
At the western end, vehicles joining or leaving East Stour must give way to vehicles on Madjeston Way.
Housing construction is continuing alongside the route, so drivers, cyclists and pedestrians are being advised to take extra care.
The council said people should be aware of construction vehicles and increased activity entering and leaving the site.
Homes and community facilities
The council said the road was designed and built to unlock land for new homes and facilities.
These include a primary school, health services, sports pitches, play areas, shops and open green spaces.
Cllr Jack Jeanes, Cabinet Member for Place Services at Dorset Council, said: "This is a positive moment for Gillingham. Opening this road is an important step in supporting the new homes and community facilities, while also providing an additional route for everyday journeys."
He said: "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."
Dorset Council will maintain the road as part of its wider highway network.
How it was funded
The road was funded through a £6.31 million bid by Dorset Council to the government's Housing Infrastructure Fund, which supports infrastructure needed for housing growth.
The money covered the road's design, planning approval and construction.
The council said the costs will be recovered from developers and reinvested into other housing projects.