Beaminster Tunnel repair works still on track (From Dorset Echo)

Beaminster Tunnel repair works still on track

2:30pm Monday 4th February 2013 in News

WORK on the Beaminster Tunnel is still on track as test works and negotiations with landowners continue.

Dorset County Council says that test nails have been driven into a section of land and that land access agreements are required to enable the soil nailing work to start in earnest.

A spokesman said: “Negotiations with landowners, agents and solicitors are progressing steadily.

“All parties are taking a positive approach and a verbal agreement has been reached, with written agreement anticipated in the next few days.

“Assuming that the negotiations are concluded as expected, an order will be given to the contractor to start soil nailing on the north side.”

He added: “The south side work is entirely within private land.

“Discussion with the landowner and his agents has been in general terms to this point.

“The design is now complete for this area and discussion of the detail required to agree land access can start.”

The council said that project is still on track for the road to be re-opened by the end of May, 2013.

Test nails were installed earlier in January and have been undergoing test loading. The results are due soon.

The works have also revealed some drainage problems at the site.

The spokesman said: “Although water was still draining away, cameras and jetting equipment have revealed a partial blockage. Excavation will now take place to reveal the cause and make a permanent repair.”