WEYMOUTH is on the brink of bank holiday traffic chaos because of continuing problems with repair works on the main road into town.

A gas leak at the junction of Dorchester Road and Roman Close caused long queues when one carriageway had to be closed to allow repair work last week.

Worst affected were traffic flows during last Wednesday's carnival celebrations, but Weymouth is now facing a fresh motoring nightmare because the repairs will not now be completed in time for the coming bank holiday weekend.

Repair workmen for gas giant Transco have hit a pipe problem which has prevented them finishing repairs this week.

Weymouth and Portland Borough Council engineering manager Martyn Gallivan said: "We have enough problems with current traffic volumes. The last thing we need is a major delay to traffic on one of the busiest weekends of the year."

Emergency repairs to the site involve laying 50 metres of new main and Transco said that the only way the work could be carried out safely was to close one carriageway and bring in traffic restrictions.

Transco communications advisor Geoff Aspel said: "Gangs were working on site over the weekend but they also had to deal with two other gas escapes and heavy rain affected work generally.

"There will be gangs on site for the rest of this week and next week, but there is a problem because of the unusual size of a pipe.

"Replacement parts are not available in stock and we are having to have fittings specially made to link pipes.

"We had hoped to be finished by the end of the week, but this is essential work which cannot be left.

"We apologise to motorists for any delays. It is obviously the last thing we wanted to happen, but unfortunately work will now have to continue until the end of next week.

"It will also be necessary for one carriageway of Dorchester Road to remain closed during this time until the work is completed."