WORK to replace a manhole cover on a key route between Weymouth and Dorchester has been completed - after causing severe delays to drivers throughout the day.

As previously reported today, there were reports of roadworks and temporary lights on the A354 Monkton Hill in Dorchester.

A spokesman from Travel Dorset said that planned overnight Openreach works to replace a manhole frame and cover had overrun into this morning.

Travel Dorset added: "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."

The temporary lights caused 'sever delays' in both directions between Weymouth and Dorchester with delays of up to 20 minutes reported.

An update from Travel Dorset has now confirmed that the engineering works have been completed and reinstatement is curing.

Contractors working for Openreach are said to be expecting the road to be back to normal use by 3pm today, before the late afternoon rush hour.