The road under the railway bridge on the A37 flooded again yesterday, as the pump and sump could not push enough water back into the river. This was, and still is, not helped by the high-water level in The Wrackle and in the meadows beyond, compounded by the heavy rain that fell yesterday. Highway’s workmen are having to pump out the water with a second emergency pump to try to get the water level down. They then need to check if something is wrong with the existing pump/sump – possibly a jammed valve or control gate. It appears that when the (south) roadside sump is examined, there is hardly any water in it ready to be pumped back into the river. The worry is that the water from the collecting sump on the north side of the road is not reaching the south side sump to be pumped out – indicating a blocked or jammed valve somewhere under the road.
As to be expected many Dorset Council staff are on leave this week, so those left are trying to do the best that they can to resolve the flooding.
Because of this, parishioners need to know that the A37 road under the railway bridge has flooded and has had to be closed again, even though repairs were completed just a couple of days ago. Highways staff are pumping out the water with a second emergency pump to be able to investigate why the normal pump is having problems.
Please be aware that the eastern exit from Stratton is closed again, and access to the A37 should be from the western end of the village, although it does appear that when returning from Dorchester vehicles can turn into the village from the eastern end.
Parishioners should take care during this awkward time and allow plenty of time if attending appointments in Dorchester. Hopefully the technical problems can be quickly resolved and normal travelling resumed.
20th December 2022 – A37 Flooded Again