MOTORISTS are facing disruption as the first of many road repair schemes begin to patch up damage done during winter storms.

One of the first schemes on Dorset County Council’s priority list is Preston Beach Road in Weymouth which will be subject to two weeks of resurfacing work from Monday.

Drivers will face disruption as traffic control is used throughout the works, which will be carried out from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday. Work will be halted for the bank holiday weekend.

DCC received £5.8 million to help repair roads damaged by severe weather and officers have drawn up a programme of works to ensure it is done by the government deadline of July. The final bill for road repairs is likely to be more than £12 million so the council will be lobbying for more cash.

Preston Beach Road was already on the resurfacing list but the condition of the carriageway deteriorated further as the beachfront was battered by savage storms.

While the relief road has taken some traffic away from Overcombe and Preston, the beach road continues to be heavily used. Motorists in a hurry are being advised to take the alternative route via the relief road and Littlemoor during the work.

County councillor David Mannings said the road was worse at the western end near the skatepark.

He said: “Disruption is inevitable and I urge people to be patient and accept the fact that the work will improve the road surface. Traffic control will be done in sections rather than the full length of the road.”

A Sea Life Centre spokesman said they had spoken to DCC and were satisfied the work would have a minimal impact on the attraction, which will be open as normal.

A DCC spokesman said work will be carried out on the road from Greenhill to Overcome Corner starting Monday for two weeks.

He said stop and go boards will be in use and the road will be resurfaced one side at a time.