New road opens to connect east and west Gillingham

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 06:03 · Archive

A new 1.3km road called Madjeston Way has opened in Gillingham, linking the eastern and western sides of the town.

A new 1.3km road called Madjeston Way has opened in Gillingham, connecting New Road (B3092) with Shaftesbury Road (B3081). The route forms part of the town's southern expansion and aims to ease congestion by providing an alternative cross-town link.

Construction of the road was completed in 2023, but it remained closed until now whilst housing development in the surrounding area reached a stage where it could safely be opened to the public. The road was funded through a £6.31 million bid by Dorset Council to the government's Housing Infrastructure Fund.

Madjeston Way features a 30mph speed limit, off-road cycleways, and footways on both sides of the carriageway, with traffic signals at its eastern connection to Shaftesbury Road. The road is designed to unlock land for new homes and community facilities, and will provide access to a future primary school, health services, sports pitches, play areas, shops and open green spaces.

Jack Jeanes, Dorset Council's cabinet member for place services, 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 added that residents and local businesses have waited a long time for the road to open.

How it is being reported

• New road linking the eastern and western sides of Gillingham is now openA new road linking the eastern and western sides of Gillingham is now open.Bournemouth Echo · 15 Oct, 05:00
• Long-awaited link road now openA new road linking the eastern and western sides of Gillingham is now open.Dorset Echo · 15 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Gillingham · Dorset Council · Jack Jeanes

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