A MAJOR route through Dorset is set to partially close for 'specialist repairs' to the road that has 'worsened rapidly'.

The A35 Puddletown bypass will close eastbound for 12 hours between 6am and 6pm on Monday, November 29.

The eastbound carriageway, which will be closed between the Northbrook and Tolpuddle Ball junctions, is required to shut to allow workers to 'to carry out specialist repairs to a defect in the concrete surface that has worsened rapidly over the last few weeks.'

A diversion route for eastbound motorists will be signposted through the nearby villages of Puddletown and Tolpuddle. The westbound carriageway towards Dorchester will not be affected.

A spokesman for Dorset Council said: "The road operator for the A35 trunk road have advised us that they need to close part of the Puddletown Bypass on Monday, November 29 between 6am and 6pm, in order to carry out specialist repairs to a defect in the concrete surface that has worsened rapidly over the last few weeks.

"The road will be closed between the Northbrook and Tolpuddle Ball junctions on the eastbound side only (towards Bere Regis). The westbound carriageway towards Dorchester will not be affected.

"The agreed strategic diversion for a closure at this point will be signed, through the villages of Puddletown and Tolpuddle."

For more information about these works and the closure, please contact Balfour Beatty (Agents for National Highways) on 01404 823381.