MOTORISTS in Weymouth are being urged to plan ahead as Challenge Weymouth takes over some of the town’s roads this weekend.

The triathlon will take place on Sunday and will see an estimated 1,500 competitors swimming, cycling and running in the gruelling event.

The first-ever Challenge Weymouth event will see the athletes and their friends and family descend on the borough and it is hoped the race will deliver a major boost for local businesses over the weekend and help promote Dorset as a tourist destination in the longer term.

To make the event possible, the county council has agreed a number of road closures and restrictions, stretching from Weymouth up through Puddletown and out to Bovington and Wareham, at various times during the day.

Councillor Peter Finney, cabinet member for the environment and the economy, said: “We are very pleased Dorset has been chosen to host this prestigious sporting event.

“It will provide a shot in the arm for the local economy, reinforcing the area’s reputation as a major sporting venue, and I’ve no doubt many of the thousands of people who come to enjoy the triathlon will want to return and explore our beautiful county further.

“There will be some disruption to motorists on the day, and I would urge people to take some extra time to plan out alternative routes if necessary. Diversion signs are in place, and full details available online.

"People may have to go a little out of their way, but the long-term benefits to the area will be huge."

Temporary traffic signs will direct drivers along appropriate diversion routes, while bus services will also be affected on the day. Anyone intending to travel in the area is advised to plan ahead, and allow extra time for their journey.

It is anticipated that the majority of restrictions outside of Weymouth will be lifted by 3.30pm.

Weymouth Household Recycling Centre in Lodmoor will be open as usual but access will be from the Greenhill direction only after 9.30am.

Full details of the route, road closures and timings can be found at www.dorsetforyou.com/triathlon-2014 or by calling the Challenge Weymouth traffic line on 0845 387 1685.

You can also check live travel alerts during the day at www.dorsetforyou.com/traveldorset The event will be based at Lodmoor Country Park in Weymouth.

Competitors will be taking on either the half or full challenge of 2.4 miles’ swimming, 112 miles’ cycling through the countryside and then 26 miles’ running to the finish line.

For full details of the event, go to www.challengetriuk.com