THE A35 will be closed for five nights as part of major resurfacing works, starting tonight.

A 3.6-mile stretch of the major Dorset route, between the Monkey's Jump roundabout and Stinsford roundabout near Dorchester, will be closed from 8pm until 6am on Monday, March 1 until Friday, March 5.

Sections of the route have fallen into a state of disrepair, with a number of potholes in multiple parts of the busy route, including near the Stadium Roundabout.

Highways England say a diversion route, which will direct motorists into Dorchester and Weymouth, will be in place and signposted in the area.

Dorset Echo: Potholes have formed on parts of the A35. Potholes have formed on parts of the A35.

A spokesman for Highways England said: "I can confirm it’s resurfacing work taking place along the A35 between the Monkey's Jump and Stinsford roundabouts, with overnight closures, Monday to Friday only, between 8pm and 6am. They will finish by 6am on Saturday, March 6.

"Diversion routes will be via Dorchester for A35 and A37 traffic, with access to the A354 Weymouth road via the Stadium roundabout.

"The work is taking place overnight to minimise disruption and for those people who need to make essential journeys, we advise people to allow a little extra time."