Heading across Dorset today?

You need to be aware of road closures which may affect your journey.

The Ironman 70.3 triathlon is being held in Weymouth, a gruelling challenge for athletes who will be taking part in a 1.3-mile swim, a 56-mile cycle ride and a 13.1-mile run.

While the event is focussed on Weymouth the cycling part of the race takes riders on a course via Osmington, Crossways, Puddletown, Piddlehinton, Pulham and King's Stag then back down on the Old Sherborne Road to Charminster, to the east of Dorchester onto the A352 and back to Preston and Weymouth via Whitcombe and Coombe Valley.

It means a number of road closures are in place to allow the competitors to pass safely so it's recommended you check before travelling.

This includes people travelling to Tankfest which continues at the Tank Museum today.

Meanwhile, the railway line to Wareham on the Waterloo line is closed for engineering works with buses operating from Weymouth and Dorchester South to Wareham, where trains towards Bournemouth and London can be picked up. See our story here.

Ironman organisers have produced road closure maps, below, with information for local residents to be aware of allowing them to plan their travel arrangements.

Bridport and Lyme Regis News:

Most closures are in place for Sunday morning only and will be lifted by early afternoon or earlier.

Outside of Weymouth, closures affect rural routes including the B3390 through Crossways, Pallington Lakes Road and Ilsington Road, Rhododendron Mile and Two Droves, the B3143 through the Piddle Valley, and the Old Sherborne Road from Dorchester towards Sherborne. The A352 from Dorchester to Broadmayne will also be closed.

Roads that will remain open include the A37, A356, A35, A354 (Weymouth Relief Road to Dorchester) and the A352 between Dorchester and Sherborne.

There will be no access to Weymouth tip today while Dorchester tip access will also be disrupted. Dorchester residents are advised to either not travel there today or use an alternative facility.

The car park at Lodmoor in Weymouth is closed today although attractions at the Country Park, such as the Sea Life Adventure Park, are open.

For more information about the event visit https://www.ironman.com/im703-Weymouth