A SECTION of the A35 will remain closed for 'several days' so investigations can continue into the extent of damage caused by a sink hole.

A pothole opened up on the A35 westbound, towards Dorchester, on Monday.

After receiving reports of the surface defect, crews from Highways England attempted two fixes of the hole on Monday and Tuesday, both of which were unsuccessful.

On Tuesday afternoon, a sink hole opened up, forcing police to close the road between the A354 and B3150 while investigations are carried out. A 17-mile diversion is in place.

Highways England has now confirmed that it may take several days to complete assessment work and to repair the sink hole.

In a statement to Dorset Council, a spokesman for Highways England said: "Highways England is advising drivers that the A35 westbound (towards Dorchester) will remain closed for several days between the A31 at Bere Regis and the A352 at Max Gate due to a large surface defect.

"Following reports of a surface defect on the 10th May, crews undertook two fixes of the hole on both the 10th and 11th May. Following further subsidence, it has been necessary to close the road to undertake further assessments before a permanent repair can take place.

"A geotechnical team were on site yesterday and survey works will continue today to establish the extent of the damage.

"Once survey work has been completed, remedial repairs will be carried out but this could take several days."

A 17-mile diversion has been put in place while investigations proceed and repairs are carried out. Drivers heading westbound on the A35 are being diverted via Bere Regis Roundabout on the A31, south to Wool, before taking the A352 back to the A35, following the solid triangle diversion.