Drivers and residents are warned restrictions come in force from today as a major harbour engineering project gets underway in Weymouth.

The work, which Dorset Council says is essential to preserve the harbour walls, has been carefully timed to avoid the main tourist season.

However, those living and working nearby are warned it is likely to be very noisy at times – and some road restrictions are in force.

The works are expected to be completed by Christmas.

Throughout the works, Custom House Quay will be closed between the Esplanade and Pilgrims Way (about 100 metres) and a diversion will be in place. Part of the Weymouth Pavilion car park will also have to be used as a works compound so some of this area will be out of bounds.

South Parade will become two-way for traffic and some parking bays are being taken out of use. This includes those in South Parade and some on the Esplanade near the baptist church.

The work will begin with the demolition of the old brick and concrete kiosk at the top of the ferry steps. Then 76 metres of quay wall near the kiosk will be replaced. This will involve driving a new line of sheet steel piles, which are like an interlocking steel barrier, into the ground in front of the existing harbour wall.

The piles will be driven into the ground during October and November. It is expected to take around five to six weeks, although the hammering in, which often causes the most noise will only be done for short periods. In November the gap between the new and old piles will be filled with concrete. The new structure will then be capped with concrete and the quayside restored with equipment for mooring vessels.

Around £1.9 million has been allocated to maintain this section and another section of harbour wall near Nelson’s Wharf, also in need of urgent repair.

Contractor Knights Brown Construction will be working 8am-6pm Monday to Friday and 8am-2pm on Saturdays – although it is stressed the noisiest work won’t start until after 10am.

Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “These works are essential to preserve our historic harbour for the future – without it they would be at risk of collapse. We apologise in advance for any disruption, some works noise will be unavoidable, but please bear with us as this work is vital.”