Six weeks of road closures for 'emergency' works

The gas works have closed a section of Maiden Castle Road

Six weeks of delays are expected in a market town as "emergency" gas works are carried out.

The repairs have shut part of Maiden Castle Road in Dorchester - one of the most popular short cuts for motorists heading to and from Dorset County Hospital and County Hall.

The road was previously closed in mid-March at the same section when a gas leak was discovered, which coincided with temporary traffic lights at Maumbury Cross for pedestrian crossing works.

Clarence Road will also face closures during the works, Dorset Council said. Diversions are in place.

Access will be made available for Castle Park residents via the western end of Celtic Crescent or Brittania Way.

The diversion signs have described the works as being an "emergency".

The full list of road closure is as follows:

• 5–14 July – Maiden Castle Road

• 14–21 July – Clarence Road (northern half)

• 21 July–13 August – Clarence Road (southern half)

• 28 July–13 August – Maiden Castle Road

SGN, the gas provider, has been approached for comment.