The bank of the River Stour between Sturminster Newton Bridge and Sturminster Newton Mill is slipping into the river.
Steps urgently need to be taken to stabilise the bank to stop any further movement and protect the busy A357.
We have been working with our private sector partners WSP and Hanson Contracting to develop an engineering solution, with work set to start on 4 September and finish at the end of November.
Around 460 soil nails, between 8m and 12m long, will be drilled through the bank to pin a steel mesh in place which will stabilise the embankment.
Preparation works
Willow trees on the slope have been removed in order for the soil-mailing and mesh installation to go ahead.
We have an arrangement with the town council to replant some trees on land just to the east of the town bridge.
The stabilised bank will be seeded with a wildflower meadow mix and cut once a year after it has flowered.
Construction works
The eastbound lane of the A357 is closed on approach to the junction with Bridge Street and three-way temporary signals are in place.
Urban64 temporary lights are being used to help minimise delays. This temporary signal system has overhead cabling and its operation uses MOVA (Microprocessor Optimised Vehicle Actuation) which is how permanent signalised junctions operate.
Traffic management will be in place for the duration of the stabilisation works, which will finish at the end of November.
Funding
The work is being funded by Dorset Council with an approximate budget of £1.3M.