Uproar over lack of notice for B3157 Abbotsbury Hill works

The B3157 at Abbotsbury is currently closed between its junction with East Bexington Farm Road and Abbotsbury Hill. 

The work at Abbotsbury is to enable Dorset Council to carry out carriageway reconstruction works. 

Work is expected to be completed by September 29.

READ MORE: Closure of Dorset coast road B3157 at Abbotsbury Hill

Bob Driscoll, chairman of the West Dorset Western Area Transport Action Group (WATAG), said the lack of notice is causing "chaos", particularly for public transport users who were unaware that a bus route would be diverted. 

Bob Driscoll, chairman of West Dorset Western Area Transport Action Group (Image: Supplied)He said: "There was no advance notice as far as bus users were concerned. I understand the work has to be done but the X53 was rerouted to avoid Abbotsbury and Burton Bradstock due to the works. 

"It diverted at Portesham and didn't re-join the B3157 until West Bay."

The X53 Jurassic Coaster serves the communities in east Devon and west Dorset linking Bridport, Weymouth and Lyme Regis.

An earlier service of the route was reinstated this year following complaints from locals who rely on buses to make their commute to work.

READ MORE: First Bus to reinstate earlier X53 bus service from July 6

Mr Driscoll added: "Nobody knew anything about it. When there is a closure, you should make sure the information is made available well in advance so people can make alternative arrangements. This is especially the case for those who rely on buses. 

"This was the case for the roadworks that we knew were due to start at Portesham but not Abbotsbury Hill."

Local commuters have taken to social media to complain about the the lack of notice of the works taking place,

One Facebook user said: "I drove along that stretch of road on Sunday, September 22 and there were no signs at all about the work or diversions.

"It's very unhelpful not to give proper warning."

While one Facebook comment said the work was necessary as the road had 'broken up', while another said: "Some advance warning would have been much appreciated."

Another section of the coast road is also due to close on a 200-metre stretch of the B3157 (Goose Hill) to the west of Portesham, as part of a £250,000 water mains scheme in Portesham.

READ MORE: Portesham: B3157 coast road shut for Wessex Water works

This is due to start on Monday, September 30, with a scheduled finish on Friday, November 8.

The roadworks will mean that the X53 bus route will divert via Winterbourne Abbas, with a special and temporary T53 bus service being put in place, operating a shuttle service between Abbotsbury and Bridport.

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: "In late August, we informed local residents and stakeholders about the upcoming works scheduled from September 23 to 29, which require a road closure for the entire duration.

"Information was also placed on our online map.

"We have not received any reports of issues from residents.

“Due to the nature of the works being carried out, a full closure is needed to ensure the safety of our workforce and the general public. This will also enable us to complete the work as quickly as possible – in this case, before the start of next week.”