Seven organisations have been brought together by Dorset Highways to ensure a thorough inspection of the A338 Bournemouth Spur Road, from Ashley Heath to the Blackwater junction.
During the last week of May, the northern section of the A338 was closed overnight so that numerous specialist contractors could occupy the road and ensure its upkeep.
Over ten-and-a-half miles of dual carriageway was inspected for defects, had its central reservation cleared and gullies emptied. Verges were cut, barrier damage was repaired and otter holes were unblocked.
Cllr Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “This work is a fantastic example of how we can work together across organisations to minimise disruption for our residents.
“Although the work was carried out over just four nights, this operation was months in the planning to ensure it went smoothly – joining up the various inspections and repairs needed and co-ordinating availability across different teams and organisations. Well done to everyone involved.”
Litter-picking and carriageway sweeping also cleared a staggering 60 tonnes of detritus and rubbish left by drivers and their vehicles.
Cllr Bryan added: “Whenever we carry out work along such a significant stretch of road, I am always shocked at the volume of rubbish found. We live in a stunning part of the country, and the A338 is surrounded by special heathland and habitat for protected reptiles, there really is no excuse for the amount of litter we removed.”
Teams involved in the four-night operation include Dorset Council highways, Dorset Waste Partnership, BCP Council, RW Langley, Amberon, JS Rose Countryside Contractors and Highways England.
General maintenance on the A338 takes place biannually; usually at the end of March and at the end of September each year.
During lockdown the fabulous work done by the council and its partners removing litter was clear to see. But a few sunny days and the litter was back, whatever happened to “Leave only footprints”.
Unfortunately its not just a few people its the many so its time for a tourist tax and mobile litter cameras.
I am so pleased to hear that the rubbish at last has been cleared from the A338. There is also an unacceptable amount of rubbish in the Ashley Heath area of the A31. Although obviously a certain proportion comes from people throwing rubbish from their vehicle windows, there are many times that we have seen rubbish coming from trucks that are taking it to be disposed of and the truck has not been netted properly to prevent it flying off the vehicle. This another issue that needs to be addressed. Maybe we could have more signage asking people to take the rubbish home and a big reminder that are driving in an area of natural beauty and SSI s sites.
Would it be possible to resurface and maintain Apple Tree Grove Ferndown. BH22 9LA surface is very uneven and worn out.
Hi Pauline, the best thing is to report this online: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/roads-highways-maintenance/report-a-problem-on-the-road-or-pavement.aspx this is then passed to the local highways officer to investigate. Thanks
Otter holes? Where are they? What were they blocked with?
Hi Sheila, when we reconstructed the road the central barrier was replaced with a concrete one. This new concrete barrier has otter holes in the bottom of it in several places as our natural environment team identified that there were otter crossing points at either side of the road. The holes had become blocked (much like drains do) with general litter and dirt from vehicles.
There’s a bit more on it here: https://news.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/big-road-schemes/2016/05/12/concrete-barrier/
Its a shame that while the work on the A338 from Ashley Heath Roundabout, nobody had the foresight to clear the verges from the A338 Ashley Heath Roundabout along the A31 Slip road, heading towards St. Leonards. I have already emailed the Council regarding this matter but alas no work has yet been undertaken to clear the pathway and verges. Until this work is done, I am unable to use my motor scooter to get some independence. as the pathway is completely blocked with vegetation.
Can the council announce when a clean up and road closure is to be done,so that resident volunteers in Bournemouth could help with litter picking etc. The community would not only be willing to do this but come out in droves to speed up the clean and save council money.