Weymouth Way reopened following Wessex Water work

The cycle way next to Weymouth Way has also reopened.

The road has been closed between Swannery Bridge and Chafeys Roundabout since June 19 after a sewer main collapsed.

Wessex Water has been working round the clock to get it fixed but admitted it was a 'challenging' repair.

Photos supplied by the utility company show the scale of the repair – 350 tonnes of material was excavated to repair a sewage pipe around eight metres below ground level.

Image supplied by Wessex Water

Initially the work was going to last just one week, but it was hampered by engineering difficulties.

Image supplied by Wessex Water

There were then concerns it wouldn't be finished for this weekend's seafood festival and contingency plans were discussed.

✅ A354 Weymouth Way OPEN between Chafeys Roundabout and Westham Crossroads in both directions. Thank you for your patience.
A temporary surface is in place for now, and we'll work with @wessexwater to schedule a planned overnight road closure for full carriageway resurfacing. pic.twitter.com/U4GMFEqtEP

— Travel Dorset (@TravelDorset) July 10, 2019

An official diversion goes via Boot Hill, Wyke Regis and Lanehouse – but motorists have been using local roads as a shortcut.

A Wessex Water spokesman said yesterday: "I can now confirm that Weymouth Way will re-open on Wednesday afternoon.

"This has been an extremely difficult sewer repair and our teams have worked extended hours throughout.

"We would again like to thank the people of Weymouth for their patience and co-operation, and we’re delighted to be able to re-open this important road well in advance of this weekend’s seafood festival."