Engineers work to stabilise tunnel landslip

A landslip next to a road tunnel is to remain cordoned off as engineers work to stabilise the embankment.

Part of the slope next to Beaminster tunnel in Dorset collapsed in February, with prolonged wet weather adding to the instability.

Dorset Council said temporary traffic lights would remain in place to protect road users until the site could be made safe.

It said it was working with designers on options to stabilise the embankment as well as exploring a permanent solution.

Beaminster ward councillor Craig Monks said the landslip appeared to have been caused by a "long-term build-up of water within the bank, which has led to the topsoil effectively rolling over on itself".

He said: "This has been made worse by the nature of the material, which is very sandy and therefore more prone to movement when saturated."

Monks said the site team hoped to remove the topsoil and install a temporary barrier in the coming weeks to allow the removal of the traffic lights.

He said a permanent engineering solution would likely involve improved drainage, pinning to stabilise the bank, and the construction of a retaining wall similar to those already in place in other areas around the tunnel.

A council spokesperson said: "Any solution must be carefully designed and implemented to ensure it is safe and effective before changes are made to the current traffic management arrangements.

"In the meantime, the traffic lights will remain in place to protect public safety.

"While a number of potential options are being explored, a full, permanent solution will require detailed design work and cannot be implemented until it meets the necessary safety and engineering standards."

In July 2012, a large landslip at Beaminster tunnel killed Rosemary Snell, 67, and Michael Rolfe, 72, in their car.

The tunnel remained closed for a year, reopening after £2.1m of repairs.