The IRONMAN 70.3 Weymouth takes place this weekend and there is expected to be some disruption in Dorchester whilst the event takes place.

Although the swimming and running will primarily take place in Weymouth on Sunday (18th) - the cycling stage will take competitors to Dorchester.

Dorset Council has issued advice for locals (even those who aren't planning to watch the event) to understand the plans for the day as your journey may be affected.

Route overview - IRONMAN. Picture credit: IRONMAN.

In Fordington, Dorchester:

The bike course turns left onto Kings Road and continues towards Max Gate.

• 08:30–13:30 Residential Access Northbound ONLY.
• 08:30– 13:30 Please consider alternative parking to avoid the road closures.

Traffic and parking restrictions - restrictions in place for the event will:

• Prohibit the use of roads described by cyclists, horse riders and all motor vehicles except for emergency services, those vehicles participating in the event, and the reasonable access permitted by the event organisers.
• Impose temporary one way systems.
• Reverse existing one-way systems.
• Revoke existing one way systems.
• Impose a clearway to include no waiting, loading or unloading.
• Revoke the existing loading bay and impose a temporary taxi rank, outside 'The Gloucester', 1-20 Gloucester Lodge, The Esplanade, Weymouth.
• Revoke the existing 'Prohibition of Driving Order' in Lower St Alban Street, which starts at the junction with St. Nicholas Street (between 6am and 7pm).
• Not prevent access for pedestrians from roads described.

Travel advice for residents and visitors

If you live or are visiting somewhere directly off a route that will be closed you may want to consider:

• Delaying your journey until the road reopens
• Moving your vehicle while the roads are open and/or leave it parked off the route so it is not affected by the event
• Allowing yourself extra travel time and be prepared to wait for access to become available
• Speak to a marshal during the event for advice
• On event day, check Live travel disruptions and @TravelDorset or #IRONMANtraveldorset before you travel and whilst on the move (if safe and legal to do so).

Travel advice for businesses

• Staff who travel to work should allow extra time for their journey and check Live travel disruptions and @TravelDorset or #IRONMANtraveldorset.
• Consider if deliveries affected by the restrictions could be reprogrammed to avoid disruption on their route. If not, contact the race organisers (details below) preferably before the event to discuss access options.
• Advise your customers of the restrictions in the area.

Access to Household Recycling Centres

Access to Dorchester's Household Recycling Centres (HRCs, or "the tip") will be directly affected by road closures around the IRONMAN 70.3 Weymouth event this Sunday.

Dorchester HRC at Louds Mill will be open, but access is likely to be disrupted until early afternoon. Local residents are advised to delay their journey until later that day, visit Wareham's HRC or wait to visit Dorchester HRC on Tuesday.

Parking information

• Minimal disruption is expected to car parks in Dorchester.

Click here to see more information and updates.