Update: 27 January 2026
With improved weather conditions forecasted, we will be switching the temporary traffic lights on from 9:30am tomorrow (Wednesday 28 January). They will remain switched on 24/7 but the council and our contractor will regularly review should forecasts/working conditions change.
The lights will be manned from 7am to 7pm, Monday to Friday. We'll monitor traffic levels during these times and make any adjustments as necessary to help mitigate traffic congestion.
Thank you for your patience while we carry out these essential repairs.
Update: 5pm on 22 January 2026
Due to the predicted high winds from Storm Ingrid, works will pause on Ferrybridge from Friday 23 January due to safety reasons. The contractor has informed Dorset Council it has switched off the lights on Thursday 22 January. They will remain switched off until the morning of Monday 26 January, when a decision will be taken on whether it is safe for works to resume. If work can start again, the lights will be switched back on.
Update: 9am on 22 January 2026
The traffic lights at Ferrybridge are now back on. They will operate 24 hours a day for the duration of the works.
Update: 21 January 2026
Due to high winds and heavy rain, the traffic lights on Ferrybridge have been temporarily switched off. This is because the works on the bridge cannot take place safely during these poor conditions. The lights will remain switched off for the remainder of today and a decision will be taken tomorrow morning (Thursday 22 January) on when the lights will be switched back on. We were able to switch the lights off as the main repair works to the concrete have not started yet (once those works are underway, the lights will remain on whatever the weather conditions).
We'd like to thank everyone who contacted us about the delays caused by the traffic lights on the first day of works. We are working with our contractors to look at how we can mitigate this. As a result, yesterday we adjusted the timings of the lights to better reflect traffic patterns during peak periods, for example, providing longer green phases for vehicles leaving Portland in the morning and those returning in the afternoon. We'll continue to monitor and make any further adjustments as necessary.
Update: 20 January 2026
We are aware of the concerns raised regarding the temporary two‑way traffic signals currently in place between Weymouth and Portland. Our contractor and the Dorset Council traffic management team have been monitoring the situation closely.
As part of this ongoing review, the contractor will be adjusting the timings to better reflect traffic patterns during peak periods, for example, providing longer green phases for vehicles leaving Portland in the morning and for those returning in the afternoon. We will continue to monitor the traffic management and make further refinements if necessary.
About the works
In January 2026 we will be carrying out essential repairs to Ferry Bridge on the A354 Portland Beach Road, which will involve temporary traffic lights and closing part of the road down to one lane for several weeks.
Preparation works are due to start on 12 January, with two-way temporary traffic lights currently planned to be installed from 19 January. We anticipate that these lights, which will be operational 24-7, will be in place until 1 March. There will be vehicle weight restrictions during this period, meaning abnormal loads over 40T will not be given permission to use this route.
After 1 March, we anticipate there will be shorter periods of either one or two days in March when temporary traffic lights will need to be reinstalled as we unload materials needed for the repair work.
Also, during the later stages of the work, we anticipate there will be two short night closures of approximately 2-3hrs. These are likely to be in April, and this page will be updated nearer the time with details.
Access for emergency vehicles only will be possible during these closures.
Why the changes needed to happen
These works to repair cracking concrete and worn bearings are essential to maintain the bridge, which is a vital link to Portland and ensure its continued safe use for years to come. The temporary traffic lights are necessary to relieve traffic weight on the bridge while the repair works underneath it are taking place. You will not see the works taking place as they are all under the bridge.
We recognise the impact on road users, businesses and local communities. Warning signs will also be put in place in the lead-up to the works.