Temporary traffic lights lifted after sparking miles of queues

Wessex Water has started work to replace ageing pipework in the A354 Portland Road near to the junction with Dumbarton Road and placed temporary traffic lights in the area.

But due to a 'problem with the sequencing of the traffic lights', it sparked slow traffic around Wyke Regis area of Weymouth and across Portland.

Motorists told Dorset Echo how the resulting delays took them 'an hour to get from the Heights to Lidl' while it took another '75 minutes to make a six-minute journey.'

Wessex Water has shared how they have been able to move the maintenance off the road and instead complete work in the footpath.

Queues on Fortuneswell, Portland

As a result, the temporary traffic lights have been removed. The works, which were originally scheduled to be completed on Friday (October 8), will 'hopefully be finished today'.

A Wessex Water spokesman apologised for any disruption caused and said: “We’re replacing ageing pipework in the A354 (near the junction with Dumbarton Road) and liaised with the council about the scheduling of the work, which was timed to avoid the peak summer season.

“Unfortunately there was a problem with the sequencing of the traffic lights set up by our contractor, which we’ve spoken to them about.

“We’ve now been able to move off the road and complete work in the footpath, so the lights are no longer required. While we were due to be working until Friday, we hope to be finished today (October 5)

“We’re very sorry for the delays caused by this essential work on what is always a busy road to and from Portland.”