BEAMINSTER Tunnel is set to be closed overnight this weekend - with a 42 mile diversion route in place as a manhole cover is replaced.

The section of Tunnel Road through the tunnel will be closed from 7pm on Sunday, June 27 until 6am on Monday, June 28.

The road closure notice will remain in force for five days, but it is anticipated that the works will be completed by Monday morning.

The closure will be place to enable Dorset Council to carry out a replacement of a double manhole cover in the road.

During the road closure, a 42.2 mile diversion route will be signposted and will take motorists across Dorset and into Somerset, taking approximately an hour and five minutes.

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 are not suitable for HGVs and should be avoided if using larger machinery.

Anyone with any concerns or wish to discuss any issues regarding the roadworks can contact Dorset Council online via http://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/roadworks/enquiries