An engineering project which has been causing disruption in Weymouth is now not likely to finish until October.

As reported, work on Wessex Water's maintenance scheme at Westham Bridge - which began in January - ground to a halt in May due to what the company said were 'unexpected ground conditions'.

The work has now resumed.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council says it is being compensated for Wessex Water's use of council land.

The company is investing £600,000 in the project to improve the storm water outfall at the marina in order to control flows more effectively.

A spokesman said: "The scheme had to be delayed due to challenging ground conditions and the need to check the structural integrity of the marina wall, with precautionary measures being taken to ensure gas and electricity services in the area wouldn’t be affected.

"Those issues have now been resolved, but the delay to the scheme means the project is now scheduled to finish in October of this year."

The firm has taken over much of Westham Bridge with its work compound since the beginning of the year, 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, below.

Dorset Echo:

Wessex Water’s project manager Bruce McAuslane said: “We weren’t able to re-start work in the marina until we were absolutely certain our activities would not put the wall and utility services at risk.

“This has unfortunately caused a significant delay to the scheme, and the lane closure in Westwey Road will remain in place until it’s completed.

“We’ll work as quickly as possible to finish as soon as we can, occasionally outside normal working hours due to tides, and we will continue to liaise with Dorset Highways and Weymouth and Portland Borough Council to ensure disruption to traffic is minimised.

“We’re sorry for any inconvenience caused by this work and once again thank the Weymouth community for their patience.”

Cllr Colin Huckle, borough council briefholder for Transport and Infrastructure, said: “We regret that these works are continuing over the summer period, but these essential works will ensure that local residents, businesses and visitors reap the benefits for generations to come.

“We are being compensated for use of the council’s land for Wessex Water’s works compound.”

Wessex Water is replacing the existing outfall with a new structure, work which will control storm water flows more efficiently and reduce the effect of the flows on the marina environment.