Overview
- Early June roadworks have already begun, including overnight closures of the A354 at Monkton Hill and the Dorchester River Walk sewer lining that has closed riverside footpaths.
- A larger tranche of works is scheduled to start in mid‑June, with Dorset Council publishing orders for Dorchester and West Compton and National Highways issuing a detailed A35 overnight schedule running through July and August.
- Councils are using temporary traffic orders that can legally remain in force for up to 18 months but routinely publish contingency and reserve dates because most jobs are expected to finish in days or weeks.
- Sites will be managed with signed diversion routes, temporary traffic signals, parking suspensions and recovery‑contractor details to protect crews and maintain emergency access while drivers should allow extra travel time.
- The programme combines highway maintenance by National Highways and local authorities with utility works by Wessex Water and communications firms, and residents are advised to check local public notices and contact published highways or utility numbers for updates.