North Street, Beaminster, closed for more than a month

A 130-metre section of North Street in Beaminster, between its junction with Woodswater Lane and its junction with Gerrards Green, is currently closed to enable Wessex Water safe access to lay a new water main.

The road is closed in both directions. It came into force on Monday, March 1 and lasts until Friday, April 2.

A diversion route will be signposted and will take drivers approximately 13 minutes to follow the 7-mile route.

A diversion route will be in place, providing drivers with a route around the closure

Alternatively, there are a number of shorter but unofficial routes that drivers can take to avoid the road closure. These not suitable for HGVs and should be avoided if using larger machinery.

The official diversion route sees drivers head south-west on North Street towards Manor Gardens before turning left onto Prout Hill and making another left onto Whitcombe Road.

Drivers will then proceed on Whitcombe Road for 5.7 kilometres before taking another left onto the A356, turning onto Hackney and continuing to Gerrards Green.

A Wessex Water spokesman said: “We are working to replace the water main that runs underneath Woodswater Lane and North Street in order to safeguard water supply for our customers in the area and reduce leakage.

“Due to the narrow width of both roads, a full closure is needed to ensure the safety of our colleagues and members of the public. 

“Access will be maintained for residents at all times and we apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

Dorset Council warns that any person who breaches the road closure could be convicted or face a fine not exceeding £1,000.

Anyone with any concerns or wish to discuss any issues regarding the roadworks can contact Dorset Council online via http://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/roadworks/enquiries