Workers at Weymouth road closure 'abused' and one 'struck by motorcycle'

Openreach staff are currently at Littlemoor Road in Weymouth to install fibre optic cables for new houses being built at the former New Inn pub site.

Work has been ongoing between the junctions of Jordan Way and Station Approach since Monday, with the section of road fully shut since Wednesday.

Access is available for nearby residents off Littlemoor Road but otherwise motorists must divert via Weymouth Relief Road and Dorchester Road to access the opposite side of the road.

Workers said they had received abuse from motorists after being told they could not bypass the closure.

Dorset Police has been made aware of the threats from passing motorists, including a highways worker being struck by a motorcycle, and say investigations are ongoing.

Workers face 'angry' drivers unable to pass road closure

Workers at a road closure say they have received abuse from passing motorists due to not being allowed to drive through the route. Dorset Police is also investigating threats to highways staff. Picture: Dorset Echo/Submitted

One worker, who asked not to be named, said: "We have mainly had abusive people. We’re asking people to travel on a five-minute diversion route around the corner.

“We have had death threats and there’s been constant abuse throughout the day. It’s not a big ask for people to do.

"We cannot let people through as they could potentially have a crash and we would be held liable”

He said one colleague was physically threatened and reportedly had a man’s ‘hands around his throat’ after telling him he could not pass the closure.

The worker also said he was struck on his hand by a passing motorcyclist who forced his way through.

Workers have opened up Littlemoor Road in Weymouth to install new cables in the area. The road closure is in place for the safety of drivers. Picture: Dorset Echo/Michael Taylor

The incident has been reported to the police and a force spokesman confirmed investigations are ongoing.

The anonymous worker said: “On Tuesday we had one of our lads who had hands on his throat by a member of the public because he wouldn’t let him through.

“On Wednesday we had the motorbike that struck my hand. There was a near miss as he went up the pavement and nearly hit a pedestrian.

“It was a bit of a shock. I was annoyed that he could just drive straight through after hitting someone."

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Workers cannot believe the abuse they are receiving

Highways staff have also said that passing drivers have moved the cones at a bus stop while workers have been away from the road in order to bypass the closure.

The worker said: “You have to laugh or cry. The main thing is that we are just trying to stay professional.

“It’s not making us scared but it’s making us double think."

Littlemoor Road is due to reopen in both directions today.

A concerned resident living nearby, said he was ‘saddened’ to hear how some people have behaved towards the workers.

He said: “I have seen cars on numerous times drive through the closure. I have heard motorists get out the car and give them abuse and swearing at them.

“It is not fair. It is disgusting and not on. They are only doing their job.”

Dorset Police on 'abuse' from motorists

A spokesman for Dorset Police said officers are aware of the abusive threats and actively investigating an incident involving a motorcyclist.

He said: “We received a report at around 10.50am on Wednesday, September 22 that a highways worker operating a road closure in Littlemoor Road, Weymouth, was having issues with passing motorists.

“It was reported that motorists had been abusive and a passing motorcycle had struck his hand. It was reported that the man did not require medical attention.

“Enquiries into the matter are ongoing. No arrests have been made at this time.”

Have you been affected by the roadworks? What have you seen happen to workers? Got a story you wish to share? Email me at michael.taylor@newsquest.co.uk and tweet @JournoMikeT