URGENT work to repair a gas leak in Weymouth has started and will continue for the foreseeable future - with heavy traffic expected as a result.
Emergency works began on Wyke Road yesterday morning - but workers are still yet to find the source of the problem meaning no timescale for the project can be given.
It is the second time workers have moved in to the area and comes following the closure of the road for three days at the end of September due to a high risk gas leak, which caused disruption to motorists and pupils attending nearby schools.
The road, which had been closed between Portmore Gardens and Gypsy Lane, was then reopened after some emergency repairs were carried out. However they have been forced to move back in to fully resolve the issue.
SGN began work to repair the gas leak at around 9.30am yesterday. The Wyke Road/Rodwell Road (Boot Hill) traffic lights have been switched off and the junction is being controlled by temporary traffic lights, which will remain in place until the work is completed. The temporary lights are causing traffic delays in the area, with long queues building at peak travel times.
The work was initially scheduled to take three days to complete, but the gas distribution company has now said that they are unable to give a timescale for how long the work will take to finish, and that engineers need to find the location of the gas leak before they can begin the emergency repairs.
A spokesman for SGN said: "Our engineers have begun working on site to try and identify the damage to our gas network.
"As soon as they find the location of the damage, emergency repairs will be carried out and the road will be fully re-opened again.
"Due to the nature of this work it's too early to give a timescale, but we'll complete this essential emergency work as soon as possible."
Traffic delays are expected to continue for the duration of the works, and motorists are advised to find alternative routes through the town if they do not wish to be stuck in traffic.
- READ MORE: Roadworks in Dorset in October
A spokesman for Dorset Council said: "There is no diversion route as the road is not closed. Temporary traffic lights are in place so we have advised drivers of delays and they may choose to find an alternative route."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel