Weymouth Town Bridge to partially close for a week in autumn

More repairs are planned for the autumn with the 94-year-old bridge partially closed.

The latest work comes after two phases of work were completed in 2022 and 2023 with repairs carried out to welds on the surface of the bridge.

READ: Progress on work to fix Weymouth Town Bridge

Work on Weymouth Town Bridge in September 2022 (Image: Martin Lea)

Dorset Council has now scheduled investigative work after 'localised corrosion' on parapets were discovered in April.

It is expected that the work will take place for about a week in the autumn. No confirmed date has been given but it will be sometime between September 23 and November 15.

READ: Town Bridge maintenance to close lane of traffic

The bridge will be partially closed during this period to allow council staff to carry out the work on one side of the bridge. 

A traffic light system will be put in place to manage the flow of traffic during the works.

Pedestrians will still be able to cross over the bridge and the bridge will still lift for boats.

The work will help the council to establish what longer term work and maintenance is needed - this will be done next year.

Weymouth Town Bridge (Image: Andy Jones) Local businesses understand that the work needs to take place, however, they are hoping it does not affect trade too much. 

In November of last year, the bridge was closed to vehicles which, and along with the closure of the council office car park, it had caused disruption. 

The Bridge Fair Trade Shop opposite Weymouth Town Bridge (Image: Andy Jones)

Linda Perry, chair of trustees at the Bridge Fair Trade Shop next to the bridge said: "We were affected last November but as long as pedestrians can come across, and now with the car park open again, we don't expect much disruption.

"It can't be as bad as when they were resurfacing it - at least we hope not." 

READ: Weymouth town bridge to close for TWO MONTHS for major repairs

It was announced in April that the work would take place after the summer holidays, but the council could not yet confirm a specific date and says it will release this closer to the time.

An employee at the Kings Arms pub on Trinity Road said: "It might affect the holiday trade, but pedestrians can still cross, so hopefully it doesn't affect us but I guess we will have to wait and see - fingers crossed."

Jennifer Bayley, a local resident, also said that the work 'has to be done' as it is an 'old bridge' and says she is 'fine' with the work being carried out. 

READ: Weymouth Town Bridge to close for ten weeks of repairs today

A Dorset Council spokesperson said: “These upcoming investigation works at Weymouth Town Bridge will help us better understand what needs to be done in the long-term, enabling us to prepare a comprehensive tender package for the main works next year.

“During the investigation phase, two-way traffic lights will be in operation on the bridge, and one of the footways will be closed. The bridge will remain open to pedestrians and vehicles, and will continue to open for marine traffic.”