Hopes for road improvement funding boost

The A30 bridge at Shaftesbury is among the repair projects that could be funded

Road improvements in Dorset could receive a £115m funding boost, the county council has said.

Dorset Council's Highways Capital Programme Strategy has been released with plans for spending on roads over the next four years.

It said it could potentially receive extra funding from central government for projects including the including repairs to the A30 Shaftesbury Bridge, on top of £15.5m confirmed for work on roads and cycleways.

The authority also said it could benefit from testing low-carbon and recycled materials for road repairs.

In June the Department for Transport announced a £1bn Structures Fund for repairing bridges, flyovers and tunnels.

The council's strategy lays out how Dorset could benefit from government funding for road maintenance, as well as the new national fund.

It recommends applying for £1.5m for concrete repairs and structural maintenance on the bridge that carries the A30 over the B3081 in Shaftesbury.

Refurbishment work was carried out on the bridge in 2023 but further defects were discovered, requiring repairs to damaged concrete and replacement of bearings.

The council said if current funding continues, Dorset could receive £100m for structural maintenance alone.

It said this would allow a "steady, long-term approach" to managing the county's road network.

The strategy also includes testing low-carbon and recycled materials as well as new designs aimed at helping roads cope with hotter summers and heavier rain, to reduce emissions and costs.

Jon Andrews, cabinet member for place services, said: "We're preparing now so we can start quickly when funding is confirmed.

"Our approach is ambitious and responsible - balancing investment with sustainability and long-term planning."

The Highways Capital Programme Strategy is due to be considered by the cabinet on 11 November.