DRIVERS are being warned of disruption, road closures and temporary changes to parking as a major project to remove Weymouth's Weymouth harbour tram lines gets under way.

Dorset Council will start to remove the tracks along Commercial Road, from King Street to Lower St. Alban Street, on Monday October 5.

The project, expected to take eight weeks, with many residents calling for the disused line to be preserved as part of the town's maritime heritage - however the tracks have caused a series of accidents over the years and are particularly hazardous when wet.

The council said it is exploring options to preserve the track's history as part of the removal project, which is being funded by a grant from central government and will also see Commercial Road being resurfaced.

Councillor Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment said: “The Weymouth Branch Line was officially taken out of service in 2016, by which time the poor condition of the tracks meant they could not be reused.

“We’re keenly aware of the historic nature of the rails and the project team is working with conservation officers to develop ideas of how best to preserve some historic elements of the tracks.

“We’re doing what we can to minimise disruption."

The first three days of work will see a section of King Street closed from the Esso garage to Kings Junction, with traffic diverted via Weymouth Way – Dorchester Road – Westerhall – The Esplanade – King Street.

Following this, work will start on Commercial Road which will be closed in the following sections for 24 hours a day:

  • Dead-end/terrace to bus depot
  • Bus depot to Melcombe Regis Car Park; car park access from south only, Bath Street closed and no access from Gloucester Street onto Commercial Road
  • Melcombe Regis Car Park to Westham Road, car park access north only; access maintained into Westham Road from the south but no access onto Westham Bridge
  • Westham Road to Mulberry Terrace (Town Council offices), access maintained into Westham Road from the north
  • Mulberry Terrace to Harbourside Car Park, car park access from south only
  • Harbourside Car Park to multi-storey car park, access to multi-storey car park from south only
  • Multi-storey car park to Cosens Quay Car Park, access into multi-storey car park from north and exit southbound only

During works on Commercial Road, traffic will be diverted via King Street, The Esplanade, Westerhall, The Esplanade, Custom House Quay and Commercial Road.

Custom House Quay will become two-way and parking spaces between Cosens Quay and South Parade will close - however permit holders can use the Pavilion Car Park.

Bus routes may also change - passengers are advised to check information displayed at bus stops.

  • Do you have concerns about access during these works? For access-specific enquiries, Dorset Council is advising residents to email highwayimprovements@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk