Drivers are being reminded that the A357 near Durweston will be closed at its junction with the A350 from Saturday, 22 June.
The road will close at 7am and work to remove the road will finish at midday. On Sunday 23 June, the flood arches will be demolished.
The noisy removal works are being carried out early on Saturday to ensure a local bride and groom’s wedding at St Nicholas’ Church in Durweston isn’t disrupted later in the day.
Councillor Ray Bryan, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “We were contacted by the bride before we started our work and, as the wedding is on the first day of the closure, I’m pleased we’ve been able to accommodate her request for us to not disrupt the special day.”
The road will be closed for four weeks, until Sunday 21 July, and drivers between Blandford and Sturminster Newton are being reminded to allow extra time for their journeys.
The signed diversion route for traffic will be on the same ‘A’ classification of road to ensure it is suitable for all vehicles – directing drivers to use the A350 to Shaftesbury, A30 to Henstridge and A357 back down to Durweston.
The diversion route is so long as there are no other ‘A’ roads in the area. However, residents may choose to find an alternative local route, but are asked not to use private roads in the area.
Cllr Bryan added: “I know this is going to be an incredibly frustrating time for drivers in the area – with longer journey times and busier local roads – but please respect each other.
“Use roads suitable for your vehicle, allow give-and-take on narrower roads and remain off private roads, unless you have permission to use them.”
The closure is needed because the flood arches on the eastern side of the village – and the road over them – will be demolished so new culvert units can be installed.
Dorset Highways has been working alongside the A357 at Durweston since mid-March preparing for the replacement of the flood arch structures.
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How nice to hear that you are considering the bride and groom… a lovely gesture.
What has 22nd of June got to do with it! Is it shut for 24 hours or 4weeks.
I have a hospital appointment next thursday 27th at blandford and will be coming from dorchester.
Will this affect my route?
Hi Dawn, you shouldn’t have to travel through Durweston to get to Blandford from Dorchester, so you will be fine.
Could you confirm that road closure signs are placed sufficiently before the junction with Milton Lane? We are already seeing very large lorries turning up this narrow residential area and finding they can get no further and having to turn around.
Hi L J B, thanks for your comments – I will pass your comments to the project team to check signage.
Hi L J B, word back in from site is that there are several signs before Milton Lane, before vehicles enter Durweston, giving warning that this is the last chance to turn around before the road closure.
One of our site agents says he witnessed a large grab lorry turning into Milton Lane and spoke to the driver that the road was narrow – who replied that he was working along there! We do our best, but sometimes drivers behaviour does not take into account local residents.