Dorset Highways’ project team in Durweston successfully demolished the three arch structures and cleared 500 tonnes of rubble over the weekend.

This critical phase of construction, during the four-week road closure, has got off to a good start and work is now focussing on preparing the three areas for the pre-cast concrete units that will form the new Durweston flood arches.

You can watch the progress live and replay all the action you’ve missed using our timelapse camera.

This week

On flood arches two and three the team is digging between the concrete end plates, laying stone, then gravel and finally ply ready for the installation of the concrete arch units.

On flood arch one, the team is building the concrete aprons and foundations for the wing walls. Work will then start on the preparation work for the new flood arch.

On Friday, 28 June, all the foundations will be finished, with the bases prepared, and the first concrete culvert units will be lifted into place for flood arch two – using a 100 tonne crane!

Next week

Work will continue to install the concrete arch units as well as putting gabion baskets of stone in place – these will create wing walls to support the road above and protect the embankments from flood water.

Repairs will also be made to Durweston Bridge following a collision earlier this year.

Demolition photos