ROADWORKS to repair a road in Chickerell, which will see motorists sent on an almost 5.9-mile diversion, have started - after being delayed by a few hours for an unknown reason.

As previously reported, a 90-metre stretch of School Hill in Chickerell is closed for five days for resurfacing works, white line painting and the relocation of lampposts.

A section of the road, from the junction of Woodland Way, was closed as Dorset Council published details of a 5.9-mile diversion route that motorists would follow to bypass it.

The roadworks were due to start yesterday morning. But a spokesman for Ford Civil Engineering, who is carrying out the roadworks for Dorset Council, said the roadworks were delayed for an unknown reason, but explained they started at lunchtime.

He said: “The traffic lights were removed at lunchtime and the road closure was put in place.

“Workers started preliminary works at the scene and then service works were started soon after.”

A Dorset Council spokeswoman previously explained the roadworks are vital to ensure their roads remain in a good condition.

A diversion route is currently in force for motorists, which sees drivers being sent around Weymouth through Radipole and Nottington, including various key roads such as Weymouth Way and Chickerell Road.