Huge project beginning to stabilise river banks at Sturminster Newton
The work's needed to prevent earth slipping into the River Stour
A huge project to stabilise the river banks at Sturminster Newton is getting underway today (Monday 4th September).
Dorset Council's carrying out the work between the Sturminster Newton Bridge and the Mill, along the River Stour.
They've said the £1.3 million stabilisation is needed to prevent land slipping into water, and protect the A357 road which runs alongside.
Around 350 soil nails, each between 8 and 12 metres long, will be drilled through the bank to pin a steel mesh in place which will stabilise the embankment.
The work's expected to take until November to complete.
How will traffic be affected?
This week (from Monday 4th September) there'll be three way temporary traffic lights in place.
That's to allow for the eastbound lane on the A357 to be closed, to the junction with Bridge Street, so contractors can work safely.
The Willow trees on the slope will be removed to make space for the mesh installation - that work was postponed earlier in the summer as nesting birds were found on site.
The week's work will finish on Friday 8th September, to allow for local traffic management while the Cheese Festival takes place next weekend.
After that (from Monday 11th September), three way temporary traffic lights will return, for the eastbound A357 to be closed again.
They will be in place for the duration of the stabilisation works, which will finish at the end of November.
A Dorset Council spokesperson said:
"Our team will keep disruption to a minimum, but we are asking motorists to please allow extra time for journeys we thank them for their patience."