Stabilisation works taking place near Grade 2 Listed bridge

This autumn, Dorset Council’s highways bridges team has been busy at Kings Mill, Marnhull.

The east and west walls supporting the carriageway approaching the Kings Mill Grade 2 Listed Bridge over the River Stour were moving. This was causing the carriageway to sink, a potential danger for users of this key link road in the area.

Following comprehensive surveys, the team is working with Ringwood-based Steel Piling Solutions to install 93 sheets of steel piling, between 7 and 12 metres long, to support the road edge that had been moving for some time.

Cllr Jon Andrews, Dorset Council’s Cabinet Member for Place Services said: “Our bridges and structures team consistently demonstrate their dedication to maintaining our local infrastructure, much of which is centuries old.

“This is a challenging job, due to the density of the clay which characterises the geology of the local area.

“Despite deteriorating weather conditions, including the recent Storm Bert, the team is progressing well. Drawing on their own skill, together with the expertise of local steel piling specialists they are once again delivering complex work to preserve one of our many important structures in Dorset.

“Thank you for your patience and support while we work to make the road safe and useable again.”

In early November Simon Hoare MP for North Dorset joined the team to see how work was progressing. He commented: “I had raised the condition of the road at the bridge with the Council some while ago so was delighted that work was agreed to. This is a main road in North Dorset and it certainly required repair. 

“The site is very constrained and the weather and issues with thick clay hasn’t helped; however, it was wonderful to meet the team working on it.  I have to say the best, most engaging and committed group I have met in a long time.  Their professionalism and expertise shone through. I was delighted to be able to thank them for all they are doing to keep our local roads usable and safe”

The stabilisation process is due to complete by mid-December, but the diversion will stay in place until end-January when the road will be resurfaced.

Sheet pile installation used specialist equipment that presses sheet piles downwards with a force up to 110 tonnes. The interlocking steel sheets are driven into the ground to form a continuous barrier, providing stability of the carriageway and preventing soil movement. This technique is particularly effective in areas with challenging ground conditions, such as the thick clay found at Kings Mill Lane.