The A35 remains closed in both directions tonight following a lorry fire earlier this afternoon. 

Firefighters were called to the A35 between Monkey’s Jump, Dorchester, and Winterbourne Abbas shortly before 2.30pm as a lorry, carrying hay, caught fire.

Emergency services including Dorset & Wiltshire Fire Service rushed to the scene. 

Two fire crews from Dorchester attended, as well as one from Bere Regis, Portland, Bridport, Beaminster and Weymouth, together with a small 4x4 appliance from Maiden Newton and a water carrier from Yeovil.

A spokesman for the fire service said: "Firefighters are working hard to prevent the fire spreading into the adjacent woodland."

The fire service warned it will be closed for 'some considerable time' and the road remains shut between Bridport and Dorchester tonight. 

Diversion Details

Eastbound Traffic

  • At the roundabout, take the first exit onto the A3066.
  • Continue for approx. 10 miles through Melplash, Beaminster and Moserton to Misterton
  • At the A356/A3066 junction, turn right onto the A356
  • Continue for approx. 15 miles through Toller Down Gate, Rampisham Down to Frampton
  • At the A3066/A37 junction, turn right onto the A37 
  • Continue for approx. 5 miles to rejoin the A35 at Poundbury.

Westbound Traffic

  • Reverse of the eastbound route

Dorset Echo: AA Live Travel map shows the area affected.AA Live Travel map shows the area affected.