ROADWORKS have begun on a stretch of the A35, with a 54 mile diversion route in place.

A stretch of the road between Chideock and Morcombelake will be closed in both directions, beginning from yesterday, Monday, November 16 until Friday, November 20. The closure is in place whilst resurfacing work is carried out by Highways England.

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

Travel Dorset has published the official diversion route online, which will take approximately 97 minutes to follow the 54 mile route and takes 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.

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

The full diversion route is available to see at here.