A SECTION of the A35 in west Dorset will be closed for five nights next week whilst repair works are carried out - with a 54 mile official diversion route in place.

The three lane section of the A35 between Chideock and Morcombelake will be closed in both directions between Monday, November 16 and Friday, November 20.

The diversion route in place will take drivers on a 54 mile journey around west Dorset - taking an estimated hour and a half.

A section of the A-road will be closed so that resurfacing work can be carried out by Highways England.

The A35 is one of many key roads being repaired to keep key routes in good condition during lockdown.

Travel Dorset has published the official diversion route online, which will take approximately 97 minutes to follow the 54-mile route and carries out drivers throughout west Dorset and into Somerset.

From Bridport the diversion takes drivers up the A3066/A356 to Crewkerne, along the A30 then down the A358 to Axminster.

The reason for the length of the diversion is because the closure is on an A-road and therefore any official alternative route must use the same class of road.

Alternatively, there are a number of shorter but unofficial routes that drivers can take to avoid the road closure. These not suitable for HGVs and should be avoided if using larger machinery.

A Highways England spokesman said: "We are resurfacing the three lane section of the A35 between Chideock and Morcombelake. The closures are for 5 nights for Monday, 16 Nov to Friday, 20 Nov inclusive from 8pm to 6am."