A MAJOR route in Weymouth is set to close overnight for a few nights in the run-up to Easter so roadworks can take place.

A letter from Dorset Council to residents in the Wyke Regis area states part of Portland Road will be shut from 9pm until 6am during half-term.

The notice says it is hoped work will start on Monday, April 11 and will be finished on or by Wednesday 13.

However, the letter states that is dependent on there being dry weather meaning any rain could cause delays.

The route will be shut from its junction with Foords Corner roundabout to its junction with Dumbarton Road. Cars will not be allowed to park on the road while the closure is in place.

During the closure an online public notice also states a further clearway and parking suspension will also be introduced along Portland Road between its junction with Dumbarton Road and the Ferrybridge roundabout between the hours of 7pm and 6am.

Any vehicle waiting in contravention of the restrictions imposed may be removed under the provisions.

A diversion will be in place via Buxton Road, Rylands Lane, onto Doncaster Road, Derwent Road and finally Dumbarton Road.

Dorset Council's website states access will be retained for HGVs only during the closure, with the diversion in place for other motorists.

A Dorset Council spokesperson said: “Working with our contractor Velocity, the dates of the road preservation treatment have been agreed to fit in with their national programme and to avoid the summer season.

“This work has to be carried out in dry weather, so cannot be done during the winter. It has been scheduled as night work, when traffic flows are low, to minimise disruption and there will be no work over the Easter bank holiday weekend.”

One resident raised concerns about not being able to drive to her home in the evening when the closure is in place.

Wyke Regis councillor Kate Wheller said that 'there is only a small area of parking' in Portland Road.

She added: "The work has to be done and they are making an effort to minimise it."