Resurfacing the A35 in Dorset and repairing a landslip next to the carriageway are among the road improvement projects in the region being backed by more than £100 million worth of investment.

National Highways has announced that a £103 million package of renewals and improvements will be delivered on roads, paths and bridges across south west, including Dorset, for 2023/24.

However it is understood no other specific schemes in Dorset are included other than those already under way.

As reported, a five-month road stabilisation project started last month next to the A35 at Chideock Hill. 

A landslip has been identified on land adjoining the A35 to the west of Chideock and the complex operation to stabilise it is part of a scheme worth £2 million.

When asked if Dorset will see further funding this year, a National Highways spokesperson said:  "Beyond the landslide work at Chideock, there are no specific schemes focussed on the A35, other than the extensive resurfacing programme taking place along the route.

"This has seen a number of resurfacing schemes throughout June between Axminster and Bridport and Bridport to Dorchester, and follows earlier resurfacing work along the A35, between Chideock and Miles Cross, the Charmouth to Morecombelake dual carriageway, between Shipton Gorge and Vinney Cross and between Martinstown and the Monkey’s Jump roundabout."

Jason Hones, National Highways’ South West Regional Director, said: “It’s vital that National Highways’ motorways and A-roads are kept in good condition to make sure they remain safe, reliable and keep the South West moving.

“This investment will help us achieve the ambitious plans we have for our roads, the communities we serve and the environment.

“Hundreds of thousands of drivers use our roads every day for work journeys, home deliveries and the movement of goods and services, so it’s essential we continue to deliver the essential maintenance and upgrades throughout the region to keep them in a good condition to ensure safety and reliability.”

Among its comprehensive programme of renewals and improvements for 2023/2024, National Highways is working to:

• Stabilise a landslip alongside the A35 at Chideock.

• Refurbish the decks of the M5 junction 15 and 16 bridges at the Almondsbury Interchange;

• Repair and refurbish the M5 Bamfurlong Lane bridge near Cheltenham;

• Refurbish structures at junctions 24 and 25 of the M5;

• Start a technology upgrade in the A38 Saltash Tunnel;

• Upgrade lighting to LED units along the M4, M5, M49 and A303;

• Repair retaining walls on the A36 at Dundas, near Bath;

In addition to the maintenance and renewals investment, around £5.5 million of funding will be spent on environmental and biodiversity projects and facilities for cyclists, horse riders and pedestrians.

Work in this area has already seen biodiversity benefits brought to the roadside verges of the A35.