A major maintenance project which has caused disruption to a busy thoroughfare in Weymouth has ground to a halt.

It is understood disruption from Wessex Water's scheme at Westham Bridge is now set to last throughout the main summer period due to an unexpected delay.

The firm says its scheme, which was due to be completed last month, is "on hold" due to "unexpected ground conditions".

Bosses could not say when work will restart – but in a map of Dorset incidents on the Wessex Water website the project is listed for completion on August 24 – three months later than planned.

More detail about the delay and its implications will be known later this week. Wessex Water intends to send out letters to local residents giving an update on the scheme.

The firm has taken over much of Westham Bridge with its work compound since January with many parking spaces on the bridge out of action and pedestrian access restricted.

The bike shelter had to be removed and a lane has been closed on Westwey Road, although temporary lights have not been needed.

The lane closure will remain in place.

Wessex Water is investing £600,000 in the project to improve the outfall at the marina in order to control stormwater flows more effectively.

In April the firm told the Echo the work was progressing well and was due for completion at the end of May.

However a spokesman for the firm said this week: “We’re confirming proposals with other utilities given unexpected ground conditions at Weymouth marina.

“Our outfall improvement work is therefore on hold, and we will be writing to residents in the coming days to update them further.

“A lane closure remains in place on Westwey Road for safety reasons. We apologise for the disruption caused and thank the Weymouth community for their patience.”

Cllr Colin Huckle, Weymouth and Portland Borough Council’s Briefholder for Parking and Transport, said: “We share the frustrations of residents over the delays to this work. However we understand that unforeseen circumstances have led to this.

“We’re in regular contact with Wessex Water over the works, and hope they can complete them as soon as possible.”

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: "Wessex Water has a permit from the Environment Agency to carry out improvement work to the Combined Sewer Overflow at Weymouth, but we have not been involved in any discussions about ground conditions encountered during the works."