Motorists using Stone Lane in Wimborne from 4 January should prepare for delays.

Highway drains which have routinely overflowed during severe weather have caused significant damage to the road.

Consequently Dorset Highways will start around ten weeks’ work from 4 January to replace the drainage pipes under the road, pavement and verge. The existing 150mm diameter pipe is being replaced with pipes ranging from 225mm to 375mm to keep water off the road surface and protect it from further deterioration.

A large drainage chamber is also being installed under the road at the Stone Lane/Cemetery Road junction, this will hold rainwater run-off from the road while it filters into the smaller drainage system at Knobcrook Road – which will hopefully be upgraded in the future.

There will be multi-way temporary traffic signals for the duration of the works as it progresses along the road, starting with four-way lights at the Knobcrook junction.

When the new drainage is in place, and the road is better protected from water damage, Stone Lane can be scheduled for resurfacing – which is overdue, given the current condition of the road.