EMERGENCY repairs along the A35 are “difficult” and could last several weeks.

Motorists should continue to expect delays as Wessex Water work to repair a damaged sewer pipe on the Christchurch bypass.

The company are operating below and on the bridge, seeing the right-hand lanes on each carriageway closed between the Purewell Cross and Fountain roundabouts.

The closures are set to be in place throughout the duration of the work, which is expected to last several weeks.

Temporary overland pipes have been set up to maintain customers’ sewerage services.

A Wessex Water spokesperson said: “Work is progressing well but these are difficult repairs to a damaged sewer pipe on a busy traffic route.

“We’re conscious that there are other roadworks happening in the area, so our team has been working extended hours to complete these emergency repairs as quickly as possible.

“We’d like to thank residents and road users for their patience and apologise again for the inconvenience.”

Read more: A35 Christchurch Bypass to go down to two lanes for roadworks

It is not the only work that has caused chaos for motorists in Christchurch in recent weeks.

On Thursday, November 24, the Avon Causeway was closed for the day to allow BCP Council contractors to carry out a programme of work.

BCP Council said the work included the cutting of overhanging vegetation, verge strimming, litter collection, remarking of existing road markings, carriageway repair works, gully cleaning, signage replacement and inspections/repair works to a number of smaller bridges which cross streams.

A seven-mile diversion route was in place via Ringwood Road, Salisbury Road, Stony Lane, Christchurch By-Pass, Fountain Way, Bargates, Fairmile Road, Hurn Road and Christchurch Road.