Checks to be made on Sturminster Newton river bank works

Dorset Council are going over work they've carried out last year

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 3rd Jun 2024

Engineers are beginning tests today (Monday 3rd June) to make sure a busy road in Dorset doesn't end up collapsing into a nearby river.

Nearly 500 nails - up to 12 metres long - are securing mesh to the embankment of the Stour alongside the A357 in Sturminster Newton.

They were installed at the end of last year to stabilise the bank.

A random number of the nails will undergo resistance tests to make sure they're working as expected.

The checks will take three weeks with no impact to traffic.

The riverbank at Sturminster Newton underwent work last year to make sure the road wouldn't collapse into the water

Part of the fencing will be removed for access, and any ground or flora disturbed during the process will be repaired or replanted.

Cllr Jon Andrews, Cabinet member for Place Commissioned Services, said:

“Back in the winter, our team and contractors, Heidelberg, worked in challenging conditions to secure the riverbank and this testing is a standard part of the process to make sure everything is working as expected.

“We thank everyone, including residents, businesses, the town council and local ward councillor for their patience throughout the process.”

Trees on the bank were removed last year so the soil-nailing and mesh installation could go ahead.

Replacement trees will be planted at the nature reserve on the other side of the bridge later this year.

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