DRIVERS are being reminded that a key route through Dorset will close in both directions for several nights.

A37 near Wardon Hill, between its junction with the A356 and Wardon Hill Farm, will shut 8pm until 6pm from tonight to Saturday, September 25.

The 8,710-metre stretch is required to close in order to safely allow Dorset Council’s maintenance crews to carry out carriageway repairs and maintenance.

A public notice from Dorset Council reads: “This notice will enable Dorset Council to carry out carriageway lining works.”

During the overnight road closures, a 34.6-mile diversion route will be in place, which will see motorists travel onto A352, A30 in Sherborne and Yeovil as well as the A37.

Dorset Council say 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.