MAJOR work to repair a main road at Lytchett Matravers is finally nearing completion.

Dorset Council has reassured motorists that while work on the A350 “seems never-ending” work is currently scheduled to finish on Friday, May 24.

The road was first reduced to a single lane in mid-December after a section of embankment was found to have slipped away, dangerously weakening the road above.

Barriers were put in place and two-way traffic signals were set up to move traffic onto the opposite side of the carriageway.

While inspecting the road damage, engineers discovered a major gas leak and an investigation by SGN confirmed emergency repairs were needed.

With the road damaged on the northbound side and the leak underneath the southbound side, the road had to be closed during the gas repair work as there was no safe space for traffic.

Following the SGN’s repairs, the two-way temporary lights were set back up to keep vehicles away from the slipping northbound carriageway during the highway repairs.

Work to thrust two new culverts under the road and stabilise the embankment has all taken place below road level, which means drivers have been unable to see the extent of damage or the work progressing.

Dorset Council built an access road to keep construction traffic off the A350 and temporary platforms for the specialist boring machinery.

Work has now started to rebuild the slipped embankment, at a new gradient, to support the road, the council says. “When the new bank reaches the level of the slipped section, the area will be shuttered and the void under the road will be filled with concrete.

“The embankment on the southbound side is also being re-regraded as this side of the road shows early signs of slipping.

“After this, work will focus on installing kerbing, post and rail fencing and verge planting.

“The works area in private fields will then be returned back by reinstalling stock fencing, realigning the existing watercourse due to new culverts, completing various ground and verge work including gate and post replacement, and soil and seeding.”

When work started in February, Councillor Daryl Turner said the repairs being carried out were “by far the least disruptive method” and other maintenance work would take place in the area at the same time.