A STRETCH of the A35 will be closed overnight this week for repairs.

A section of the route, between Monkey Jump Roundabout and Stinsford Roundabout outside of Dorchester, will close overnight in order for a number of works to be carried out, including resurfacing, drainage repairs, road marking work and grass cutting.

Highways England, which is carrying out the maintenance, say the closures will be overnight on weeknights, between 8pm and 6am, from Monday, July 19 until Saturday, July 24.

A diversion route will be signposted in the area and motorists will be advised to travel through Dorchester to bypass the closure. Alternative diversion routes are available to drivers.

A spokesman for Highways England said: "The work includes drainage repairs, resurfacing, road marking, grass cutting and survey work.

"During the overnight works, 8pm-6am, Monday to Friday only, the diversion route is via Dorchester."

Following these works, the A35 between Stinsford and Bere Regis will close overnight for three weeks starting from Monday, July 26 until Saturday, August 14.