FRESH concerns have been raised about the effect on the road system ahead of highway work starting near a busy junction in Weymouth.

Twelve weeks of roadworks start this Monday to construct a new traffic-light controlled junction on Chickerell Road near Fiveways.

The project, which will also see the road being widened, resurfacing and drainage works and a bus stop being moved, is to provide official road access to Betterment Properties’ Curtis Fields housing development, the first phase which is nearing completion.

There are fears that once built, the new junction will cause problems with the existing road system – it will be less than 100 metres from the traffic lights at Fiveways.

The relocation of the bus stop further down Chickerell Road eastbound is also unpopular.

Contractors are carrying out the work on behalf of Betterment.

The Echo reported last year how the housing development was being held up as Dorset County Council had concerns about the proposed new junction and its effect on Fiveways.

It is understood the design of the junction had to be revamped following advice from county highways chiefs.

Dorset County Council is now happy with what is proposed.

Local borough councillor for the area Cllr Gill Taylor understands there have been disagreements between the county council and the developer over the road access, going back to when the planning application for the site was discussed.

She said it had led to an ‘impasse’ – but she presumed that an agreement had now been reached.

Cllr Taylor said: “The issue is that this junction will be so close to the traffic lights that are already there. If the access to the site was further down the road towards the Admiral Hardy it would not be an issue.

“I can see problems with this. I also know that some residents aren’t happy with the bus stop moving. A lot of people catching the bus there are elderly and live in the nearby bungalows.”

A spokesman for Dorset County Council said: “Dorset Highways has carried out a number of technical audits of the detailed design and all appropriate standards have been met.

“The new junction has been designed to have the minimal effect on traffic flows along Chickerell Road.”

The roadworks are set to last until April 28. Temporary traffic lights will be in use.

Betterment Properties did not respond to a request for a comment.