We appreciate that work on the A350 seems never-ending and work is currently scheduled to finish on 24 May.
A quick recap
- The road was first reduced to single lane in mid-December 2018 after a section of embankment was found to have slipped away, dangerously weakening the road above
- Barriers were put in place and two-way traffic signals were set up to move traffic onto the opposite side of the carriageway
- While inspecting the road damage, engineers discovered a major gas leak and SGN confirmed emergency repairs were needed
- With road damage on the northbound side and the leak under the southbound side, the road was closed during the gas repair as there was no safe space for traffic
- Following SGN repairs, the two-way lights were set back up to keep vehicles away from the slipping northbound carriageway during highway repairs
Repairs underway
Work to thrust two new culverts under the road and to stabilise the embankment has all taken place below road level – which means drivers are unable to see the extent of damage or the work progressing.
Work to date includes:
- Building an access road to keep construction traffic off the A350
- Building temporary platforms for the specialist boring machinery
- Thrust-boring two new culverts under the road
- Building concrete headwalls for the new culverts, at each end of the pipes
Work has now started to rebuild the slipped embankment, at a new gradient, to support the road. When the new bank reaches the level of the slipped section, the area will be shuttered and the void under the road will be filled with concrete.
The embankment on the southbound side is also being re-regraded as this side of the road shows early signs of slipping.
After this, work will focus on installing kerbing, post and rail fencing and verge planting.
The works area in private fields will then be returned back by reinstalling stock fencing, realigning the existing watercourse due to new culvert, completing various ground and verge work including gate and post replacement, and soil and seeding.
This work will avert disaster and save lives so well done!
So yet another delay with Dorset Council. First the C13, now the A350. We’re now told 31st May for the C13 & Zig Zag Hill.
The equipment on the A350 on the right hand side heading toward Blandford appears to be in exactly the same place for close to a week now! So when are these works due to be finished?
Hi Barry, we’re awaiting an update from the project team, the latest completion date I’ve had for the A350 work is mid-June.
I understand there is complexity in projects like this, but how can it possibly take 6 months and still not be finished?
Travelling along the A350 where this work is taking place there are 40mph signs as one approaches the tempory(!) traffic lights; there are no signs on exit from this area to indicate a return to national limit .
Hi Brian, thanks for your comments, I’ll let the project team know.