Preparations have been made to reduce the effect of closing the C13 at Melbury Abbas on the surrounding roads.
The major route between Blandford and Shaftesbury was closed by Dorset County Council following investigations that revealed the steep slopes were unstable.
The county council has been working with Dorset Police and local communities on the A350 and surrounding roads to reduce the use of ‘rat runs’ and remind drivers of the speed limits through the villages.
Extra Speed Indicator devices (SIDs), temporary flashing signs that warn drivers who are speeding, have also been installed.
Deborah Croney, county councillor for Hambledon, said:
“The closure of the C13 has had a significant impact on traffic travelling through the county.
“We’ve been working collaboratively with partners and Dorset Police to prevent and discourage poor driving behaviour along both the A350 and C13.
“The Local Safer Neighbourhood Teams are using speed cameras along the routes and working with local parishes to develop Community Speedwatch schemes to provide vital reassurance.”
Signs have been placed along the route to deter large vehicles and HGVs from using the smaller roads.
The council have also placed advance warning signs at Poole’s ferry terminal and ferry companies are advising customers of possible delays along this route.
Andrew Martin, the county council’s head of highways, said:
“The traffic data show’s that our management of the highway network is working with a reduction of large articulated vehicles using the A350. We will continue to monitor the roads and adjust our work accordingly.”
In Dinah’s Hollow surveys have already been carried out on the steep slopes. A mobile elevated work platform had to be used for some of the work due to the height and angle of the sides.
The next step is for boreholes and soil tests to be taken. These will be carried out on private land and some areas of crops will be affected. The council has negotiated with the landowners for permission to carry out the boreholes. Work is planned to start next week (w/c 30 June).
Up to date information about the closure and work plans visit www.dorsetforyou.com/dinahs-hollow
Issued By:
Fiona King, Public Relations Officer
Tel: 01305 224491
Email: f.e.king@dorsetcc.gov.uk
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