Weymouth traders concerned over King Street roadworks

King Street will be closed to through traffic for week-long emergency repairs after a sewer collapsed.

The busy road, a key route for traffic heading into the centre and also across town and towards Portland, will be shut both ways between Queen Street and Crescent Street/Gloucester Mews for five days from Monday, November 4.

The pavement will remain open and there will be road access from the Swannery direction up to the rail station car park and the Esso petrol station.

The closure will see changes to several bus routes with some diverted and some starting at the rail station.

And it's going to cause disruption to traffic on Bonfire Night when thousands are expected to travel into town to watch the fireworks on the beach.

Drivers are advised to take this closure into account when making travel plans.
Weymouth Town Council is encouraging people to consider walking, cycling or using public transport to attend the event wherever possible.

Map of diversion route for King Street roadworks provided by Wessex Water (Image: Wessex Water)

Whilst the sewer repairs are necessary, business owners fear they will lose trade.

A manager at the Eats & Drinks convenience store in King Street said: "It will be quite bad and it will impact us.

"If they close the road, regular customers will go to other places where they can access shops easier."

Cars will not be able to access the Esplanade from King Street for five days (Image: Andy Jones) Staff at Park Convenience Store, which is opposite Queen Street, also expect to be impacted by the road closure. 

Hemamth said: "Definitely, with the road closed and no vehicles passing through it will have a big impact and it will be a big problem."

But Scott Lines, owner of Boss Miniatures & Gaming, believes it will have more of an impact on people using the road to drive into town.

He added: "It is going to be far more impactful for motorists. 

"My worry is my commute and maybe a few less will drive into town, but I don't think it will be too impactful on trade."

Queen Street will remain open and vehicles will be able to exit and head towards the Swannery (Image: Andy Jones) Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce acting president Dominique Masanneri echoed the thoughts of local traders and urged Wessex Water to complete the work as quickly as possible.

She said: "The upcoming road closure on King Street, while necessary for urgent repairs, will undoubtedly impact businesses in the town centre, especially those relying on foot traffic and easy vehicle access.

"The Esplanade is a key area for visitors, and restricted access could lead to a reduction in customer numbers for shops, restaurants, and other traders during this period.

"We urge Wessex Water to complete the work as swiftly as possible and suggest clear signage and alternative routes to help minimise disruption for both residents and visitors."

Motorists are advised that a lane closure will be put in place just after the entrance to the train station in order to control the flow of traffic.

Cars will be able to access the rail station car park and the Esso petrol station from the Swannery.

Road users will have to use Dorchester Road and the Esplanade in order to get access to Gloucester Mews/Crescent Street.

Motorists exiting right from Queen Street or left from Park Street will be able to head towards the Swannery.

Wessex Water says it has contacted businesses about the works, and diversion routes and signs will be in place.

A spokesperson said: “A collapsed sewer within the road means our team need to carry out the emergency repair and we’ll be working extended hours to try and ensure we complete the work as quickly as possible.

"The road is expected to be reopened by the end of the day on Friday, November 8."

Changes to bus routes

The road closures will also see changes to several bus routes.

Bus routes 1, 3 and X53 will start and finish at Weymouth Rail Station forecourt during the work.

For Route 10, certain journeys arriving in Weymouth before 9.30am and after 8pm will be diverted between Radipole and Weymouth. Passengers for intermediate stops will be asked to transfer to a service 2 bus, or a service 10 shuttle bus which will continue along the normal routing.

Passengers travelling to Weymouth town centre and onwards along route 1 can remain on the bus which will divert via Weymouth Way to Weymouth Railway Station. 

For Route 10A, during afternoons and evenings only, journeys will not serve stops along Preston Road. After serving Chalbury Corner, the bus will divert via Littlemoor Road, Dorchester Road and Weymouth Way to Weymouth Rail Station.