THE A35 will be shut overnight between two Dorset towns in July.

National Highways will be carrying out maintenance work along the busy route which will shut the road on weeknights only between Dorchester and Bridport.

The work involves resurfacing, retexturing, gully and vegetation clearance, and signage and road stud renewal, the company said.

To enable the works to take place safely, the A35 will close weeknights Monday to Friday between 8pm and 6am from Monday July 3 to Tuesday, July 11.

Clearly signed diversion routes will be in place, National Highways added. 

Eastbound traffic will be diverted via the A35 Sea Road North onto the A3066 to Misterton, via the A356 through Maiden Newton, Frampton and Stratton, onto the A37 and re-joining the A35 at the Monkey’s Jump Roundabout.

The westbound diversion will operate in reverse.

National Highways, which is responsible for managing the A-road, has advised drivers to plan ahead allow extra time for their journeys.

The work follows current resurfacing work in west Dorset on the A35 between Bridport and Axminster, which has also seen the route between these towns close overnight on weekdays. 

Works started on Monday, June 19 and are due to end by Saturday, July 1.