PR 4076 – Solution to Dinah’s Hollow

Engineers from Dorset County Council have unveiled the solution to stabilise the slopes in Dinah’s Hollow, near Melbury Abbas.

The C13, between Blandford and Shaftesbury has been closed since April after a report showed that the slopes beside the road were unstable and a potential hazard to road users.

A combination of soil nailing, mesh work and low level concrete panels will be used to stabilise the soil to prevent slippage, protect the slopes and allow the road to be reopened.

The consultants Parsons Brinckerhoff, considered a number of possible solutions including regrading the slopes, bio-engineering and high retaining walls. The final solution will use proven technology and allow as much as possible of the ancient holloway’s character to be retained.

Timescales for this work are being finalised, but a number of statutory processes may delay the start of the work. These include approvals for works to trees protected by Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs) and Environmental impact assessments.

There will be a period of vegetation clearance and removal of some trees to allow access to the banks for installation of stabilisation measures. To reduce the disturbance to birds and other animals this cannot be done between March and August. It is hoped that a number of trees at the top of the slope will be retained.

Cllr Peter Finney, Cabinet member for environment and economy, said:

“Getting the timing right is going to be very tricky. Our discussions are still on going with various third parties to resolve any final issues. As soon as these negotiations are successfully completed the operation plan can be put in place, then there will be clarity with the timescales. Until that point is reached no definite dates can be finalised.

“Teams will continue surveying and repairing roads affected by the closure, but a longer term solution to reducing the impact on surrounding routes is being worked on.”

For more details of the solution and the engineers reports visit www.dorsetforyou.com/dinahs-hollow

Issued By:
Fiona King, Public Relations Officer
Tel: 01305 224725
Email: f.e.king@dorsetcc.gov.uk