Phase two of Weymouth Harbour rail line removal project at Custom House Quay

The second phase of the track removal project was scheduled to take place in the new year but was brought forward to make the most of quieter roads during lockdown.

The project is being carried out by Dorset Council to improve road safety but has proven controversial as many residents want to see the tracks preserved. The council has given assurances that sections of track are being kept in place where possible – with a 30 metre section at the start of the line in Commercial Road and ‘The Loop’ near Cosens Quay Car Park being left in place so far.

Council bosses said they are looking at ways to retain the visual impression of the rails, are considering how best to represent the lines along the route.

To this end, council engineers are reported to be working closely with the conservation team to find a solution that does justice to the track’s historic worth.

Councillor Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment said: “During the next four weeks, we’ll be removing as much of the track along Custom House Quay as time allows while many businesses along this busy stretch are closed.

“There will also be fewer cars on the road as people follow government advice and stay at home, wherever possible.

“By bringing forward this work, we will reduce the time we are in the area in the New Year.

“If you’re heading into the harbour area for work, exercise or to collect an order, please think carefully about the route you will need to take as our closure moves along the road.”

Custom House Quay will be closed in sections to reduce disruption and maintain as much access as possible into town and to businesses remaining open in the area.

The road will be closed in the following sections along the harbourside:

n From St Mary Street to Maiden Street – St Mary Street will remain open for traffic coming under Town Bridge, there will be no access from Maiden Street onto Custom House Quay.

n From Maiden Street to East Street – Maiden Street will reopen at its harbour end, drivers will be able to enter East Street from Custom House Quay but not be able to exit East Street onto Custom House Quay.

n From East Street to South Parade – drivers will not be able to enter East Street from Custom House Quay but will be able to exit East Street onto Custom House Quay, South Parade will remain open.

All closures will be in place 24-hours-a-day, with a signed diversion route in place to direct traffic around the closed section.

Parking spaces in the closed sections will be temporarily closed, with Zone F permit holders in the affected areas able to use the Pavilion Car Park.

Phase one saw the Weymouth Branch lines being removed along Commercial Road, where work to repair drainage and kerbing will continue under temporary traffic lights ahead of resurfacing, which is currently planned for night work in December.