EXPERTS are to begin investigating the flooding issues on West Stafford bypass.

Engineers from Dorset Highways will be carrying out surveys to record the gradients of the road and surrounding land, as well as find out how permeable it is.

The work starts on Monday, July 18 and will take two weeks. The road will remain open and there are no plans for temporary traffic management, but drivers are being asked to drive with care when passing the works.

Later this month, a number of bore holes will also be drilled in the surrounding land to find out what material the ground is made up of.

In recent times of heavy rain the soakaway drainage system has been unable to cope with the amount of surface water and led to the road being flooded, and closed.

Traffic analysts at INRIX have the road being recorded as closed at least 20 times in the last four years; twice in 2012, eight times in 2013, six times in 2014 and four times in 2015.

Councillor Andy Canning, elected member for Linden Lea division, said: “The county council has responded to community concerns about the flooding problem with the bypass, and it is greatly reassuring that this investigation work is starting.

“The thought of an improved drainage system being in place by the end of the year will be welcomed by all local residents and motorists who use the bypass.”

When all the information has been collected engineers will be able to finalise the scheme design.  Work will be completed in the autumn and engineers will monitor the improved drainage to decide if any further work is needed.

The county council is working with Natural England and local landowners.