TRAFFIC is queuing on a key route between Weymouth and Dorchester this morning as work is being undertaken to replace a manhole cover.

There are reports of roadworks and temporary lights on the A354 Monkton Hill in Dorchester.

An update from Travel Dorset has said that planned overnight Openreach works to replace a manhole frame and cover have overrun into this morning.

A spokesman for Travel Dorset said: "We are sorry to report that roadworks being undertaken by contractors working on behalf of Openreach have overrun this morning. 

"These works were to repair and replace a service cover and frame in the carriageway (a different one to the site previously attended in July) and were agreed to start after 7pm yesterday evening, with best endeavours to be cleared before this morning's rush hour. 

"However, due to engineering challenges, there is significantly more work required than was expected because the chamber underneath the cover has begun to collapse over time and needs to be rebuilt. 

"This issue could not have been foreseen before the work started."

As a result, there is queuing traffic in both directions between Weymouth and Dorchester with 'severe delays' of up to 13 minutes reported. The average speed is said to be five mph.