Highways England is advising drivers that the A35 westbound (towards Dorchester) will remain closed for several days between the A354 and B3150 due to a sinkhole.

Drivers heading westbound on the A35 are being diverted via Bere Regis roundabout at the A31, south to Wool, before taking the A352 back to the A35.

Following reports of a large, deep pothole on May 10, crews undertook two fixes of the hole on both May 10 and 11. However, both fixes were unsuccessful with a sinkhole opening up and it has been necessary to close the road to undertake further assessments before a permanent repair can take place.

A geotechnical team is assessing the issue today (Wednesday) and drivers are reminded to allow extra time for their journeys.

Stephen Potts, service manager for Highways England, said: "We are currently carrying out geotechnical investigations into the cause of the surface defect on the westbound carriageway section of the Tolpuddle by-pass.

"The road will remain closed until further notice. We apologise for the inconvenience and advise motorists to plan ahead and allow a little extra time for their journeys."

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