A BUSY road in Weymouth has now shut for four weeks to allow ageing pipes to be replaced.

A section of Newstead Road, Westham has shut from Thursday, November 4, until Thursday, December 2, by Wessex Water to replace water pipes in the area.

It means drivers won't be able to use the busy through route between Abbotsbury Road junction down towards Asda.

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The utility company will be working from the junction with Ilchester Road towards the junction with Knightsdale Road near the Rodwell Trail overbridge.

The route will also be closed to pedestrians using the through route.

A Wessex Water spokesperson said: “We’re replacing water mains that are prone to leaks and bursts, meaning improved water quality and a more reliable supply.

“Newstead Road will be closed to through traffic but access will remain for residents and emergency work. We’re sorry for any inconvenience.”

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A diversion will be in place via Westwey Road and Abbotsbury Road.

The work on Newstead Road will be followed by a second phase in January next year from below Rodwell Trail bridge to Marsh Road.

Temporary traffic lights will be in place for around six weeks but there will be no further closure.

Dorset Councillor Gill Taylor, ward councillor for Westham, has called for residents to be ‘patient and understanding’ in regard to the closure.

She said: “Work is to be done and closures are sometimes necessary. I know it can be really, really inconvenient for residents and a lot will ask why it can not be done at night.

“It can not be done at night and the simple answer is noise. It causes so much noise, you have to do it during the day.

“No time is convenient for a road closure.”

The public notice for the closure also states the order will enable Wessex Water access to the water main and valve.

Cllr Taylor added: “It will cause disruption as it's really busy but all roads are busy in the town centre.

“I ask residents to work with the council while the work gets done.”