Part of the Weymouth bypass will have to close again for resurfacing work.

The A354 Weymouth Way between Swannery Bridge and Chafeys roundabout was closed for three weeks from June 19 after a sewer main collapsed.

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

The work dragged on following engineering difficulties and there were fears the main route would not be open for the seafood festival in July – fortunately this was not the case.

Wessex Water now must return to the site, as they previously stated, to fully resurface the road as work done previously was a 'temporary reinstatement'.

Resurfacing is likely to take place overnight – on dates yet to be confirmed – in September.

Doing the work at night will have less of an impact on traffic. A fully signed diversion will be in place, but drivers are again expected to use local roads to get round the closure.

Travel Dorset tweeted: "Our inspector met with Wessex Water at the site of the recent major works to repair a burst sewer.

"A permanent reinstatement plan has been agreed which will see the water company resurface the full width of the road in scheduled overnight closures which will likely be planned for after the summer holidays.

"Meantime, the temporary reinstatement will continue to be checked every day to ensure its safety, until this work is carried out."

A spokesman for Wessex Water said: "Resurfacing will take place after the holiday season with overnight closures. No firm dates yet but nothing will happen for the next four weeks or so."

Meanwhile, the new Weymouth Town Council is keen to establish a working relationship with Wessex Water, so it can be kept informed about its plans.

Clerk Jane Biscombe told a recent meeting the council wanted to talk to an officer responsible for community engagement.

Cllr David Gray asked for better communication with the company after water and sewage works had resulted in months of problems on several roads in the town.

A Wessex Water spokesman said: “We have an excellent working relationship with the new town council and regularly provide details of planned schemes that improve services for customers in advance of work happening.

“This involves meeting with local people and presenting proposals in advance.

“While there will always be times when our work unfortunately causes some inconvenience, we’re committed to carrying out improvements in a way that minimises disruption to local communities.”