Portland Beach Road and Causeway remain open
Portland Beach Road and Causeway remain open
We can confirm that Portland Beach Road and the Causeway (linking Portland to Weymouth) did not close this morning and have remained open.
We would like to thank the multi-agency team, including the Environment Agency, emergency services and Dorset Council officers, who have been on site throughout the morning closely monitoring the road, weather conditions and local water levels.
⚠️ Ongoing severe weather warning
Heavy rainfall and strong winds are expected to continue across the Dorset coast. These conditions increase the risk of:
• Large waves overtopping coastal defences
• Flooding
• Landslips and rockfalls
Please take extra care when travelling and avoid coastal roads, cliffs and shorelines where possible.
⸻
Earlier update – 8:00am, Saturday 24 January
Dorset Council, the Environment Agency and emergency services advised that Portland Beach Road and the Causeway may need to close between 9:15am and 12:30pm due to a high likelihood of flooding.
The road was previously closed overnight between 10:00pm and 12:45am after waves overtopped the beach and floodwater made the route unsafe. It reopened once conditions improved.
Multi-agency teams remained on site monitoring:
• Weather conditions
• Sea state
• Local water levels
Digital signage continues to warn drivers of the risk of closure. Any further closure will only be lifted once the road is safe and clear of debris.
⸻
Areas at risk
Due to Storm Ingrid, a combination of high spring tides and strong winds continues to pose a risk of flooding, particularly around Chiswell.
Areas most at risk include:
• A354 Chiswell
• Brandy Row
• Pebble Lane
• Victoria Square (up to the junction with Queens Road)
• Car parks along the A354
• Yard along Lerret Road
Residents in these areas should remain prepared for flooding and shingle being thrown onto roads and nearby properties.
⸻
What you can do
• Avoid coastal roads, cliffs and shorelines across Dorset
• Make alternative travel plans if travelling to or from Portland
• Follow Environment Agency flood advice, including:
• Acting on your personal flood plan
• Following guidance on what to do before or during a flood
⸻
Support for vulnerable residents
Dorset Council continues to check on residents known to Adult Social Care and is working with care providers to ensure support can be delivered if access via the Causeway becomes restricted.