PR 3986 – C13 – Construction Industry boom delays tests

DCCC13The testing of soil samples from unstable slopes in Melbury Abbas will not be finished until early September due to a buoyant construction industry.

The C13, between Blandford and Shaftesbury has been closed by Dorset County Council for four months after discovering that the slopes beside the road were unstable.

Soil samples were taken from two areas in the village, the first below St Thomas’s church and a second set of samples were taken from both sites of Dinah’s Hollow.

The tests, to be carried out by an independent laboratory, have been delayed due to a backlog of work at many labs around the country. The results will provide detailed information about the strength of the soils to help the consultants, Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB), draw up a number of measures to stabilise the slopes.

The reports on both sites are due to be finished by the autumn when they will be consulted upon, allowing local residents to voice their opinions. Financial implications will also be considered and a budget for the work agreed upon.

The final scheme will be designed, contractors employed and then construction can begin. A firm timescale will not be available until the options have been scrutinised and an understanding of the practical solutions gained.

Cllr Deborah Croney, local member for Hambledon, said:

“Dorset County Council is working hard to make sure this situation is resolved as quickly as possible, but this is a complex project and it will take time to find a solution that works.“In the meantime I’ve been working with officers to look at a number of traffic management solutions that could help reduce the impact of large vehicles using both theC13 andA350 once Dinah’s Hollow has been opened.“I’m also is continuing with my infrastructure improvements agenda, which is a longer term goal working with the parishes, County Council, the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and MP, Robert Walter to source central government funding.”

For more information visit www.dorsetforyou.com/dinahs-hollow

Ends
Issued By:
Fiona King, Public Relations Officer
Tel: 01305 224491
Email: f.e.king@dorsetcc.gov.uk

Attachments

Communications Unit, County Hall, Dorchester DT1 1XJ. Tel 01305 224491

www.dorsetforyou.com/news