DELAYS are expected when major drainage works get under way in Wimborne tomorrow.

Highway drains on Stone Lane routinely overflow during severe weather and have, over time, caused significant damage to the road.

On Monday January 4 Dorset Highways will start around 10 weeks work to replace the drainage pipes under the road, pavement and verge. The existing 150mm diameter pipe is being replaced with pipes ranging from 225mm to 375mm to keep water off the road surface and protect it from further deterioration.

A large drainage chamber is also being installed under the road at the Stone Lane/Cemetery Road junction, which will hold rainwater run-off from the road while it filters into the smaller drainage system at Knobcrook Road.

A spokesman for Dorset Council said: "Please expect some delays to your journey during the work as multi-way temporary traffic signals will be used for the duration of the works as it progresses along the road, starting with four-way lights at the Knobcrook junction.

"When the new drainage is in place, and the road is better protected from water damage, Stone Lane can be scheduled for resurfacing – which is overdue, given the current condition of the road."