Posted 28 July 2026
Dorset Council has awarded a contract to Hazell Bros for the supply of gravel as part of Council’s 2026/27 unsealed road re-sheeting program, with works scheduled to be undertaken between October and December this year.
The contract has now been executed, enabling preparations to commence for the upcoming maintenance program across the municipality.
Council will utilise 19–20 mm shoulder gravel, its preferred material for re-sheeting unsealed roads. The material has been selected for its suitability in restoring road surfaces and supporting long-term road performance.
Roads currently scheduled to receive Hazell Bros material include Old Waterhouse Road, Sledge Track, Panama Forest Road, Sandy Point Road and several other streets throughout Bridport including Maxwell Street.
Mayor Rhys Beattie said the contract represented an important investment in maintaining Dorset’s extensive network of unsealed roads.
“Our unsealed roads play a vital role in connecting residents, businesses, agricultural operations and visitors across Dorset,” Mayor Beattie said.
“Awarding this contract to Hazell Bros ensures we have access to quality gravel materials that will help restore road surfaces and improve driving conditions on key routes throughout the municipality.”
Mayor Beattie said road re-sheeting was a critical component of Council’s ongoing road maintenance program.
“Over time, traffic volumes and weather conditions cause gravel surfaces to wear away and deteriorate,” he said.
“Re-sheeting restores a consistent running surface, extends the life of the pavement, improves safety for road users and helps reduce ongoing maintenance requirements.”
Council identifies roads for re-sheeting through its three-year road revaluation program, supported by local knowledge, observations from grader operators and reports received from the community.
Mayor Beattie said a strategic approach was essential to ensuring limited resources were directed to roads where they could deliver the greatest benefit.
“We are committed to maintaining our road network in a responsible and sustainable way,” he said.
“By combining data from our road assessments with local knowledge and community feedback, we can prioritise works where they are most needed and continue improving the overall condition of our roads.”
In addition to the roads included in the Hazell Bros contract, several other roads are scheduled for re-sheeting during the 2026/27 program. Material for those projects will be sourced from a combination of local commercial, and Council-owned gravel quarries, depending on project locations and material requirements.
Council reminds motorists that, as with all unsealed roads, dust, loose gravel, corrugations and minor debris are natural characteristics of gravel road environments and are managed through Council’s ongoing maintenance activities.