Drivers are breathing a sigh of relief after temporary lights switched on for a disruptive engineering project have been removed earlier than planned.

Wessex Water says the temporary lights at the busy Harbour Crossroads at the bottom of Boot Hill have been removed more than a week ahead of schedule, with the firm close to completing its sewer repairs.

As reported, Wessex Water embarked on a project at the beginning of March to repair sewers in the North Quay area next to the inner harbour.

The signals at Harbour Crossroads were switched off and replaced by temporary lights, and part of North Quay was closed.

The temporary lights initially caused traffic mayhem with mile-long queues, but congestion was reduced after the light sequencing was addressed.

Lights were due to be in place until March 31 but were taken down on Saturday afternoon, while North Quay is also fully re-open after closing to westbound traffic for almost two weeks.

The final stages of work are close to completion and Wessex Water expects to wrap up the scheme this week, well ahead of the scheduled finish date at the end of March.

Pipes have been renovated to prevent seawater entering Weymouth’s sewer network, ahead of 18-year high spring tides that will happen in July.

Wessex Water’s Julian Britton, who has been coordinating the work, said: “We’ve been able to get ahead of schedule by working some nights and using ‘no-dig’ technology to increase efficiency.

“We appreciate these essential repairs on a busy road have impacted on residents, businesses and traffic and we’d like to thank the community for their patience and understanding.”