The 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

www.dorsetforyou.com/news

Local villagers have been given the chance to view the closed section of the C13 and ask questions about what is happening.

Representatives from the parish councils affected by the closure of the road between Blandford and Shaftesbury visited the site with county council officers earlier this month (9 July).
The escorted visit showed residents the reasons for shutting the road and showed where soil samples have been taken to help the engineers design a solution to stabilise the slopes.
The C13 through Melbury Abbas was closed by Dorset County Council following investigations that revealed the steep slopes were unstable.
There is a diversion along the A350 between Blandford and Shaftesbury bypassing this closure.
The county council has been working with Dorset Police and local communities on the A350, C13 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.

Cllr Deborah Croney, county councillor for Hambledon, said:

“The site visit was very helpful. Ideas about the closure were discussed alongside current and future traffic issues.
“The county council’s highways team have been analysing road usage and speeds affected routes. Details of data collected will be published soon.”

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.u

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