MORE traffic snarl-ups are set to hit the heart of Weymouth's road system when a series of highway works begin.

Drivers are bracing themselves for major delays along Dorchester Road and relief road campaigners say the disruption for road-users highlights the desperate need for the Orange Route scheme.

Works were beginning today on a gateway to Weymouth on the Ridgeway and on a junction of Dorchester Road at Upwey.

But major delays are expected from October 31 onwards when a three-week drainage programme begins on Dorchester Road between Elwell Street and Prospect Place.

Councillor Doug Hollings, Weymouth and Portland Borough Council environment spokesman, said: "I would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused and ask that all drivers affected by these works carefully plan their journeys and allow plenty of time to get to their intended destination.

"The disruption that will undoubtedly be experienced by drivers using Dorchester Road re-emphasises the great need for a relief road."

Motorists are warned of possible tailbacks from today with the start of an improvement scheme at the junction of Dorchester Road and Chapel Lane.

Morrish Builders is carrying out site clearance works at the junction as part of its Chapel Lane development and temporary traffic signals will be in operation there for two days between 9am and 4pm.

One lane will be shut on the three-lane section of Ridgeway Hill for a week from today while Weymouth and Portland Borough Council installs a new stone sculpture featuring carved pineapples to welcome visitors to the town.

Highway maintenance including hedge and scrub cutting will also take place at this spot over the next week.

More delays are expected next week when a three-week drainage programme begins along Dorchester Road between Elwell Street and Prospect Place on October 31.

Temporary traffic signals will be in use while road gullies and pipes are set in place to reduce flooding.