A ROAD on the outskirts of Bridport is set to close for overnight repair works this week - with a 43 mile official diversion route in place.

Sections of the two roads leading up to the Gore Cross roundabout in Bradpole will be closed - this includes Corbin Way and Beaminster Road.

The road will be closed to enable Dorset Highways to carry out surfacing works on all arms of Gore Cross roundabout, A3066 and Corbin Way.

The road closure will come into place from 8pm on Friday (April 23) and will remain in force for five days. However, it is anticipated works will be completed by Saturday, April 24.

The official diversion route has been published online and will take drivers on a 43 mile journey around west Dorset and into Somerset - taking an estimated time of an hour and six minutes.

Drivers will turn south on Beaminster Road, continuing until they reach the East Road Roundabout, taking the first exit onto the A35 then up to the Monkeys Jump Roundabout in Dorchester. It's then left onto the A37 for more than 5km then left onto Dorchester Road/A356.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News: The diversion route that will be in placeThe diversion route that will be in place

Proceed as far as Misterton taking a left turn onto the A3066 leading back towards Bradpole. Finally, the diversion will see drivers take the first exit on the Tunnel Road Roundabout onto Hogshill Street, Beaminster travelling a further 8km back towards the closure.

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.

For further information about the work being undertaken, contact Dorset Council on 01305 228100.