Six weeks of disruption is set to begin today as part of the coast road closes for work.

The closure is part of a £250,000 water mains scheme in Portesham.

Teams will work on a 200-metre stretch of the B3157 (Goose Hill) to the west of the village, replacing the main with new plastic pipes in a project that will start on Monday, September 30, with a scheduled finish on Friday, November 8.

Map of the closureMap of the closure (Image: Wessex Water)

The road will be closed to through traffic in both directions between the entrance to Manor Dairy and just past Malthouse Meadow for the main replacement, with work continuing seven days a week.

Traffic will be officially diverted using the B3157, A354 (Weymouth Way), B3159 and A35 roads and, as well as traditional road signs, digital road displays will be in place at various locations, including Weymouth and Bridport, to advise drivers about the closure.

The roadworks will mean that the X53 bus route will divert via Winterbourne Abbas, with a special and temporary T53 bus service being put in place, operating a shuttle service between Abbotsbury and Bridport.

Residents have raised concerns over the work at a Portesham Parish Council at a meeting also attended by Wessex Water representatives.

One of the key issues discussed included the school bus service with concerns regarding transportation for children attending Portesham and Budmouth Schools.

Wessex Water says that access will be maintained for residents and businesses.