Drivers will have to get used to waiting at traffic lights through Harman’s Cross near Swanage in Dorset while the old and leaky gas pipe is replaced along the main road with a new safer plastic pipe.
The roadworks which were delayed until after the nearby Purbeck Valley Festival, started on Tuesday 19th August 2025 are expected to last until 27th March 2026.
Temporary traffic lights will be in place for seven months along Valley Road while the work takes place
Temporary traffic lights
During the emergency gas repairs, Valley Road will be reduced to a single track with temporary traffic lights to control the flow of traffic.
The gas company SGN said:
“There have been several gas leaks on the network, which means that long-term repairs aren’t viable, and replacing the pipes is the only permanent solution to address further leakage and disruption. Barring any engineering difficulties, the project will be ongoing for approximately 29 weeks.
“Due to the size and age of the old gas main, we will need to install the new pipe using an open-cut method. This will involve excavations and trenches along the road as we install the new pipe.
“Once we have completed a section, we will reinstate the road and continue our work along the road.
“We understand how disruptive these works will be for the community and road users of Purbeck and southeast Dorset, especially during the summer months. We assure you, the team will be doing everything they can to complete these works as quickly and as safely as possible.”
Yellow plastic pipe will replace the corroding iron gas main
The work has started to the east of Harman’s Cross and will continue to move along the main road until all the pipe has been replaced
Bus stops may move
The gas company says vehicle access to properties along Valley Road will be maintained throughout the work.
As the work progresses along the road, bus stops may need to be temporarily suspended and alternative temporary stops provided.
Once the new gas main is installed, properties on Valley Road will need to be connected to it. The SGN team will contact those affected to make arrangements to access properties. It says it will not interrupt gas supplies without advance notice.
Road traffic delays are expected especially once everyone’s goes back to school and work after the summer
“We’re sorry for the inconvenience”
SGN added:
“We’re sorry for the inconvenience this work will cause, and thank local people for their patience and understanding.”
Those travelling between Swanage and Corfe Castle have the alternative of taking the route via the B3069 Langton Matravers or via Studland and the B3351 New Road.
Further information
- For any specific questions regarding these works, email customer@sgn.co.uk
- For more about changes to bus stop locations and timetables, visit Morebus and First Bus websites
