Purbeck water main: Upcoming road closure announced
A major project to improve water supply on the Dorset peninsula takes a new step
A major £500,000 project to improve water supply on the Isle of Purbeck has entered its second phase.
It involves relocating and replacing a degrading water main close to Corfe Castle.
Wessex Water say they've moved 1,000 metres of the new main to adjacent land, to minimise the impact of the work in the local area.
It means a short section of the new main will still be within the road, with Meadus Lane near the entrance to Dorset Adventure Park expected to be shut to traffic for five weeks, from the 31 October.
A diversion route via the A351 and Ulwell Road in Swanage will be in place during that time.
The new phase of work got under way earlier this week at the B3351/Thrashers Lane junction, with traffic lights and a temporary 40mph speed restriction in place on the B3351 and Thrashers Lane remaining open to traffic.
A spokesperson from Wessex Water said:
“We have worked hard to ensure that the new main is sited away from the road as much as possible, as replacing it in its existing location would have caused a significantly longer impact on the local community.
“Only a short section of the new main will now be within the road and we will be carrying out that work as quickly as possible between September and the start of December.’
"A short section of the B3351 just north of Corfe Castle will then be closed near the entrance to the Dorset Adventure Park for five weeks from Monday 31 October, with a signposted diversion route agreed with Dorset Council, via the A351 and Ulwell Road in Swanage in place."
The water main works will coincide with the suspension of the ferry service that links Studland to Sandbanks, which will undergo maintenance works.
A spokesperson from Wessex Water added:
"The five-week B3351 closure was agreed with the county council to coincide with the ferry service that links Studland to Sandbanks being suspended while it undergoes a full maintenance overhaul and refit from the end of October.
“We have been in contact with businesses and authorities throughout the Isle of Purbeck to advise them of the impact of the work and access arrangements.
“We will continue to update them on the progress of the project, which is expected to be completed by Friday 2 December and apologise for any inconvenience caused.’’