Road safety improvements planned at Gore Clump near Melbury Abbas

We are to improve the layout at the Gore Clump junction on the C13 Blandford to Shaftesbury road.

Work begins on Monday 24 November and is scheduled to finish by Friday 19 December.

At the same time as the junction improvements, repairs will be carried out along Boundary Road (the road from the C13 to the B3081, passing Compton Abbas Airfield). This means the road will be closed on weekdays from 7.30am to 4.30pm between Monday 24 November and Friday 12 December. Outside these times, a traffic control system will be in place.

Access to the airfield will be maintained from an end of Boundary Road at all times, depending on the location of the works. Emergency services access will also be preserved.

The road repairs work is in preparation for the Dinah’s Hollow stabilisation project. Further details about that project will be publicised in the coming weeks.

C13 overnight closures

To complete the works, the C13 will be closed overnight, 8pm to 6am Monday 15/Tuesday 16 December and again 8pm to 6am Tuesday 16/Wednesday 17 December.  A signed diversion route will be provided via the A350 during the night works.

C13 daytime traffic management

Stop/Go traffic boards will be in place during the day from Monday 15 to Wednesday 17 December

Cllr Jon Andrews, Cabinet Member for Place Services, Dorset Council, said:
"We know this is a challenging junction and have listened to concerns from residents and road users.

“This scheme is designed to improve safety while minimising disruption and protecting the surrounding landscape.

“The weekday closure of Boundary Road is essential to carry out the work safely and efficiently, and we appreciate everyone’s patience while these improvements are made.

“Thanks to residents, businesses and road users for your understanding during this important work.”

Gore Clump junction changes

Collision data shows the current junction layout contributes to incidents in the area.

The new junction will include:

• A one-way system on the northern arm (no entry from Boundary Road)
• No right-turn into the northern arm
• No right-turn from the southern arm onto the C13 for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes
• Double white lines to discourage overtaking
• Enhanced signage, lining and rumble strips
• Junction markings to reduce speeds and improve visibility
• Vegetation clearance and speed gateways to reinforce the 40mph limit

The changes will respect the sensitive landscape.