Sherborne: A30 Kitt Hill finally set to reopen fully this week
The A30 Kitt Hill in Sherborne was closed for emergency repairs back in February 2022[1] after an ‘unstable wall’ was damaged after a lorry crashed into the structure.
The road was fully closed for a while and has more recently been subject to three-way traffic[2] lights, causing anger amongst motorists.
It was revealed in February that repair work was due to begin on the 13th of that month[3], according to Dorset Council.
A spokesperson for the local authority at the time said the work should take about three months to complete, but warned it could take longer.
MP for West Dorset Chris Loder has been one of those outspoken in the row over the wall’s repair.
The Conservative was involved in war of words with the council over the MP’s correspondence with a constituent[4] earlier this year.
Mr Loder has frequently criticised the council for the length of time it has taken repair work to start and says he ‘welcomed’ the news that Kitt Hill was due to reopen from Thursday, April 6 after the wall has been fully rebuilt.
‘Complex’ work to repair the wall has involved discussions with the property owners, insurance companies, Dorset Council and other groups which has led to the ‘protracted and difficult’ situation, the MP added.
“The work is done and is now in the hands of the council to open the road,” he said.
“I would like to praise in particular the strength and courage of the elderly property owners who got this work done after a year of unimaginable stress and personal anguish.
“I will be supporting them every step of the way from now on and I hope the public will be too.”
Dorset Council said in an earlier statement: “As soon as the works are complete and final safety checks have been made, we will be able to remove the scaffolding and traffic management measures, and reopen both lanes of the A30.
“We’d like to take the opportunity to thank local residents for their patience and understanding.”
References
- ^ was closed for emergency repairs back in February 2022 (www.dorsetecho.co.uk)
- ^ traffic (www.bournemouthecho.co.uk)
- ^ It was revealed in February that repair work was due to begin on the 13th of that month (www.dorsetecho.co.uk)
- ^ was involved in war of words with the council over the MP’s correspondence with a constituent (www.dorsetecho.co.uk)