RESURFACING works on the A35 near Bridport have started, with the road closed in both directions overnight.

Highways England has announced night-time works will take place between Axminster and Bridport as well as between Bridport and Dorchester across a number of days in the run-up to Easter.

The A35 will be open in the daytime during both sets of works.

The Axminster to Bridport closure will allow resurfacing works to take place between the Charmouth Roundabout and the Miles Cross junction, Bridport. 

It will come into place overnight from 8pm until 6am the following day - starting Thursday, March 16. The work will end on the morning of Tuesday, March 21. 

A signed diversion will be in place diverting drivers onto the A358, A30 and A3066.

Following the completion of these works, part two of the maintenance operation to resurface the roads will take place on the stretch of the A35 between Bridport and Poundbury.

The works will take place on weeknights only between Shipton Gorge and Vinney Cross and then between Martinstown and the Monkey’s Jump Roundabout from Tuesday, March 21 to Saturday, April 1.

As per the first set of closures they will take place between 8pm and 6am.

During this closure a diversion will be in place for vehicles planning to use the route; they will be directed via the A35, A3066 to Misterton via A356 onto the A37 to the A35 at Poundbury. 

In a joint letter, South West Highways and Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Services which are responsible for the works said: "We have tried to minimise disruption to road users and residents.

"Please note that the works planned are weather susceptible and may be subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control. We will endeavour to communicate any change in the programme as soon as possible."

A specific contact number has been created for those with queries regarding the works - 01404 823871. 

The letter adds: "We realise that these works may cause inconvenience to some local residents and road users. 

"We would however like to take this opportunity to apologise if any inconvenience is caused."

Drivers are urged to allow for extra time for their journeys considering the diversions in place. 

The road is one of the most-used routes in Dorset, especially between the towns of Bridport and Dorchester.