Watery Lane to close for repairs to historic railway bridge

As part of its Historical Railways Estate, National Highways is restoring the Watery Lane bridge in Upwey.

One of 23 historic railway structures in Dorset, the bridge - which used to carry the line of the branch to Abbotsbury - is being re-pointed with further repairs to the parapets, spandrels and face rings.

The restoration is being carried out by specialists Hammond ECS Ltd which also involves vegetation clearance around the structure.

To enable the work to be carried out, Watery Lane will be closed from its junction with the access to Manor Farm for a distance of 60 metres in a northerly direction. The closure is from from Wednesday, April 24 to Friday, May 17. 

Fiona Smith, Senior Engineer for National Highways’ Historical Railways Estate, said: “Our role is to preserve and keep safe the tunnels, bridges and viaducts in the estate and Watery Lane bridge is one such asset enjoyed by local communities around Upwey.

“We’ve communicated the closure of the lane to local residents and thank people for their patience in advance of this essential restoration work.”

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The alternative route, which will be signposted is as follows: Watery Lane - Stottingway Street - Dorchester Road - Mill Street.

The closure is in red, diversion is in blue (Image: Dorset Council)

For further information about the work being undertaken and access arrangements, call RR Limited on 07745476738.

To discuss the closure order, contact Dorset Council on 01305 221020.