A 10-WEEK project which will see temporary lights controlling traffic on a busy route in Weymouth is to begin later this month.

Gas distribution company SGN is investing £450,000 to upgrade its network in the Westwey Road area.

The "essential project" involves replacing an existing gas pressure regulator next to the gas holder to meet an increased gas demand from local homes and businesses.

The regulator is a piece of equipment that maintains the pressure in the network.

The work will ensure a continued safe and reliable gas supply for many years to come, SGN says.

Following discussions with Dorset County Council, work will start on Wednesday, September 20 and will last for approximately 10 weeks - which means the project will not be completed until the end of November.

The firm will begin installing and connecting the new gas pressure regulator to the network on September 20.

During the 10-week project, SGN says it will need to install temporary two-way traffic lights around the work area to ensure the safety of motorists and its engineers.

The lights will be manually controlled to help traffic flow along the A354 Westwey Road and minimise disruption for motorists.

SGN Project Manager Simon Thurlow said: “We’ve worked closely with the local authorities in planning this work and we will be doing everything we can to minimise disruption during our essential project. We’ll be working extended hours and on weekends to ensure our work is completed as quickly and efficiently as possible.

“We appreciate that roadworks can be frustrating, however, the new pressure regulator will be able to meet the increased gas demand in the area. This means once the work has been completed, homes and businesses in the area will enjoy the benefits of a continued safe and reliable gas supply for many years to come.”