Old gas pipes in Weymouth look set to be replaced in a project that will cause more disruption.

Gas distribution company SGN is planning further upgrade work in the town, the full details of which have yet to be released.

Trial holes have been drilled at Westham Bridge as part of this project.

It is not currently known the extent of the work but it is understood there will be some infringement of the road and pavements.

The area has been hit by a raft of roadworks in recent months due to various utility companies and the highways authority carrying out repairs. And last year unsightly works affected a large part of Westham Bridge due to a major Wessex Water engineering project.

The news of more gas works come as SGN comes to the end of a lengthy project to replace an old main next to Chafeys Roundabout, Southill. The work has led to traffic restrictions at the roundabout and along the A354 Weymouth Way, and to the closure of the pedestrian crossing. A gas leak was first discovered in the area in January.

Meanwhile, as holes were drilled earlier this month, SGN spokesman Dan Brown said: “We’ve carried out a series of trial holes at Westham Bridge in Weymouth as part of a project we’re continuing to plan in consultation with Dorset Council.

"This work has been done to identify the best method of replacing our old gas pipes and keeping any disruption caused by this essential upgrade work to a minimum.

“Our investigations have been completed, however we found an unprotected high voltage electricity cable which needs to be protected before we can reinstate this site.”

When asked about the wider project, the spokesman added: “We’re working on a 30-year programme to replace our old metal pipes with new plastic pipe, which will ensure continued safe and reliable gas supplies for many years to come. We’ll continue to plan our pipe replacement at this location in consultation with Dorset Council and we’ll provide details on this work once confirmed.”

Marc Cutler, Dorset Council Traffic Team Leader, said: “We’ve not yet discussed the proposals for traffic management with SGN for this work. When we do we will look at the options available to minimise the impact on local people.”