Dinah's Hollow January 2026

Please find important information below about multiple Temporary Traffic Regulation Orders that are planned to come into effect on Monday 5 January 2026. These will support the slope stabilisation works in Dinah’s Hollow and manage additional traffic on the limited network of roads in north Dorset.

These will be in effect for the duration of construction works throughout 2026. The main road closure for the stabilisation works will close the C13 between its junction with Boundary Road and its junction with the B3081. There will be access only for residents and emergency services between Boundary Lane and West Lane. The main diversion route will be signed to use the A350. HGVs travelling southbound will be signed to use the A30 to Shaftesbury then on to Stalbridge and use the A357 to rejoin the A350 south of Steepleton Bends.

In Melbury Abbas village, additional measures will support the flow of traffic to enable residents safe travel to and from their homes:

Quarry Lane/School Lane one-way only from A350 to C13

White Pit Lane one-way only from C13 to the B3081

West Lane one-way only from C13 to the A350

Mill Hollow Lane one-way only from B3081to West Lane

West Lane will remain two-way between its junction with the A350 and its junction with Quarry Lane to facilitate the above restrictions

 

Temporary 20mph speed limit on A350 through Compton Abbas

Temporary 20mph speed limit on A350 through Fontmell Magna

Temporary 20mph speed limit on A350 through Sutton Waldren

Temporary 20mph speed limit on A350 through Iwerne Minster

Temporary 30mph speed limit through Stepleton Bends

We are continuing discussions with our traffic management provider on proposals for two sets of temporary traffic signals on the A350 to further help the safe movement of vehicles and residents:

Two-way temporary signals in West Melbury due to sharp and narrow bend at Incombe Head

Three-way temporary signals near Clayesmore School to provide a pedestrian crossing and control traffic in/out of Higher Street/Tower Hill

We will confirm this arrangement when we know more.  As part of the project, our traffic management provider will monitor these routes and ensure signage remains in place and visible.  This will also allow us to monitor the effectiveness of these measures.

I wanted to provide a brief update on the Dinah’s Hollow closure. Following recent discussions with officers, I can confirm the following:

There is a team of dedicated officers who will be managing communications and addressing any concerns raised while the works at Dinah’s Hollow are underway.

I will be holding monthly meetings with officers at the end of each month throughout the duration of the works. These meetings will allow me to raise specific concerns, discuss where adjustments may be appropriate, and receive updates on progress.

All queries and concerns should be directed to the dedicated email address: dinahs.hollow@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk. This inbox is monitored, and enquiries will be triaged to the appropriate department for a response. It is also the best contact for reporting highways maintenance issues relating specifically to the A350, C13, or through-routes from nearby villages. The relevant Highways officers will be informed and will address the issue. (Please feel free to copy me into any correspondence.)

Any complaints regarding speeding or driver behaviour must be reported directly to the police, as Dorset Council does not deal with road traffic offences. Reporting these incidents helps build a record of problem areas, allowing patterns to be identified.

Best wishes

Cllr Jane Somper

Beacon Ward