A project to upgrade the water supply in the south of Dorset that closed a section of the coast road for weeks has wrapped up ahead of schedule.

Wessex Water has completed its £200,000 main replacement scheme within a 200-metre stretch of the B3157 in Portesham near the Jurassic Coast, with the six-week project concluding two days earlier than planned.

The traffic lights that had been in place since the start of last week – replacing the initial closure of the route from the start of the work in late September – are being removed by late afternoon today (Wednesday, November 6) allowing traffic to use the road as normal.

The road was closed for around four weeks before re-opening with the three-way signals. Traders, particularly just up the road in Abbotsbury, say that the closure 'killed' trade as people were thought to be put off from visiting, and there was no more passing trade of people heading to and from Weymouth or Bridport.

People in Portesham previously approached by the News say they were largely unaffected as they could get to Weymouth without issues and took back roads to get to Abbotsbury

Wessex Water project manager Daniel Owen-Rijnenberg said: “To complete this complex project ahead of schedule is a huge testament to the work of our team, who have worked so hard and for seven days a week over the course of the past month.

“This was challenging but essential work to improve water supplies for the area and we would like to thank local customers and businesses for their patience, co-operation and understanding while it was carried out.

“We recognise the initial road closure was disruptive to local communities which is why we worked so closely with them before and during the work, as well as carrying out the replacement as quickly as possible.

“We have now written to them to mark the conclusion of the scheme, with the new main helping to ensure improved water quality and a more reliable supply for future years.’’ 

Wessex Water says it currently spends more than £8 million a year on replacing ageing water mains which, as well as being prone to leaks, can cause quality issues such as discoloured water and poor pressure for customers.