Potential closure of Portland Beach Road and Causeway due to severe weather on Friday 23 January.
Dorset Council, the Environment Agency, and emergency services are advising residents and road users that the Portland Beach Road and Causeway (the road that joins Portland to Weymouth) may need to close between 8pm on Friday, 23 January, and 1am on Saturday, 24 January, due to expected severe weather conditions. Because of the predicted wind speeds and flooding risk, we will also switch off the temporary traffic lights on Ferry Bridge until Monday, 26 January.
On Portland, areas most at risk of flooding include A354 Chiswell, Brandy Row, Pebble Lane, Victoria Square up to the junction with Queens Road, the car parks along the A354 and the yard along Lerret Road.
Teams are currently on-site closely monitoring the road, weather conditions, and local water levels. A further update on the potential closure will be provided on Friday, 23 January.
Why a closure may be necessary
Forecasts for Storm Ingrid indicate a combination of high winds, heavy rain, spring tides, and elevated groundwater and river levels. This significantly increases the likelihood of flooding along Portland Beach Road and the Causeway.
There is also a risk of waves overtopping flood defences around Chiswell, which may lead to additional surface flooding and shingle being thrown onto the road and nearby properties.
If a closure is required, Dorset Council will activate digital signage to inform residents and road users. People are urged to check travel plans in advance and allow extra time for their journeys.
Impact on Ferrybridge repair works
Due to the predicted high winds, works will pause on Ferrybridge from tomorrow (Friday, 23 January) for safety reasons. The contractor has informed Dorset Council it has switched off the lights today (Thursday, 22 January), and they will remain switched off until Monday morning (26 January), when a decision will be taken on whether it is safe for works to resume. If work can start again, the lights will be switched back on.
