New monitoring technology to be installed help safeguard Beaminster Tunnel

Advanced monitoring technology designed to provide early warning of ground movement will be installed at Beaminster Tunnel as part of a 4-week programme of emergency safety improvements starting on Monday 9 November. 

The technology, a first of its kind for Dorset, will continuously monitor the embankment above the tunnel. This new tech forms part of Dorset Council's long-term plan to protect the route following the landslip earlier this year and reduce the risk of future disruption for residents, businesses and visitors. 

Following detailed engineering investigations and surveys carried out after the landslip in February, the council has identified a package of works to improve the stability of the embankment and help safeguard the tunnel for the future.  

The work, which will also include new traffic signals, will take place from 9 November to Friday 4 December. It has been scheduled ahead of winter when wetter conditions can increase the risk of further ground movement and potential longer delays. 

To enable the works to be carried out safely, Beaminster Tunnel will be closed throughout the construction period. 

 A signed diversion route using alternative A roads will be in place. All adjoining B roads leading into Beaminster will remain open, helping to maintain access to the town, local businesses and surrounding communities during the works. 

Cllr Jack Jeanes, Dorset Council's Cabinet Member for Place Services, said: "Beaminster Tunnel is an important route for local people, businesses and visitors, which is why we're taking action now to protect it for the future. 

"The new monitoring technology will give us much better information about how the embankment is behaving, helping us identify any changes at an early stage and manage the site more effectively over the long term. 

"Alongside that, we're carrying out repairs and strengthening work that will improve the resilience of the tunnel and reduce the risk of more significant problems developing in the future. We will also trial new more reliable traffic signals than the temporary signals currently in place. 

"We appreciate the closure will cause some temporary disruption, and we thank people for their patience. Carrying out the work now, before winter conditions arrive, will help reduce the risk of a much longer and more disruptive closure later on." 

The project will include: 

• Reducing the risk of future landslips  
• Clearing vegetation around the tunnel structure  
• Cleaning of the tunnel interior  
• Resurfacing of the road through the tunnel  
• Installing specialist monitoring sensors within the embankment  

Following completion of the project, Dorset Council will continue to assess traffic movements and monitor the success of the traffic signals. 

Regular progress updates will be shared throughout the project to keep residents and road users informed as work progresses.