Work to remove pylons from west Dorset’s countryside means a traffic management system will return to the A35.

Traffic lights have been in place west of Winterbourne Abbas this week, with two-way traffic lights holding traffic travelling in both directions to allow construction vehicles to turn in the road.

The next active traffic management will be operational between the hours of 9.30am-3pm from December 2-5.

At all other times the lights will be green, allowing traffic to flow as normal in both directions, according to the National Grid.

National Grid is carrying out the work as parts of its Visual Impact Provision (VIP) project to remove 8.8km of overhead electricity cables from the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The aim of the project is to transform views from the Hardy Monument and South Dorset Ridgeway, enhancing the area’s natural beauty for the many local people and visitors who enjoy it.

It will see 22 pylons removed between Winterbourne Abbas and Friar Waddon.

A spokesman for National Grid said: “On behalf of National Grid and our contractors, Morgan Sindall, we would like to apologise for any inconvenience caused.

The VIP project is a major opportunity to enhance the west Dorset landscape.”  

For more information about the project, call 0330 134 0051 or email to visualimpact@nationalgrid.com