A large section of the A35 is to close overnight as three weeks of maintenance work begins.

As of today, the Bridport to Axminster stretch will shut at 8pm and reopen at 6am the following morning.

This will continue until July 18 before the work moves to the Bridport to Dorchester section of the road. 

Overnight closures between Bridport and Dorchester will start on July 18 and are scheduled to be completed by July 31.

National Highways says it’s carrying out reconstruction and repair works to the road.

A spokesperson said: “We realise that these works may cause inconvenience to some local residents and roads users but access will be available for residents within the closures with the exception when we are working within the vicinity whereby access will be limited.

“We would, however, like to take this opportunity to apologise if any inconvenience caused during these operations.”