WORK to stabilise a slope and re-open a footpath next to the Wyke Road tunnel on the Rodwell Trail in Weymouth will start next week, it has been announced.
The £200,000 project, joint-funded by both Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and Dorset County Council, will see two phases of work.
Phase one will start on Monday and will take around eight weeks.
The work includes repairing and anchoring the east wing wall of the Wyke Road Tunnel and stabilisation of the upper slope.
Phase two of the scheme will begin in January to stabilise the lower slope and reinstate the footpath from Wyke Road to the Rodwell Trail.
The footpath has been closed for more than a year due to a mini landslide. It has been closed off however attempts have been made by people to use it.
The Rodwell Trail and Wyke Road tunnel will remain open during the work, although the width of a small section of the trail will be reduced and cordoned off for the site.
The council says the footpath from Wyke Road onto the Rodwell Trail is currently closed due to the unstable slope and alternative routes should be used.
Residents and businesses likely to be affected will be sent letters about the work.
The normal working hours for the works are weekdays between 8am and 6pm. Weekend working is unlikely, but dependent upon severe weather and ground conditions.
Cllr Christine James, spokesman for Transport and Infrastructure at Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, said: “The Rodwell Trail is a vital link for many residents and visitors to the borough and the stabilisation of the wing wall will ensure the route remains safe and enjoyable for the thousands who use it.
“This is important work and it's good news that the trail will be able to stay open for the duration. We would like to thank residents and users for their patience whilst the work is taking place.”
Consulting engineer Aspley Associates have been appointed to undertake the design and contractor Westpointe Limited to carry out the work.
The contractor will aim to minimise disruption, but as the work will involve drilling some noise will be unavoidable. Information and safety boards will be set up on the approaches to inform trail users of the work.
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