WORK to repair a Grade II listed bridge on a busy road in north Dorset will take place next week.

The work at Durweston Bridge on the A357 will take place overnight between Monday Friday (June 26-30), following damage caused by a road accident.

To minimise the impact to motorists, the bridge will be closed nightly from 6.30pm-6am, with a signed diversion in place.

Dorset Council’s in-house team of specialist contractors will carry out the repair work which will include reinstalling stone knocked into the river below by the collision.

All existing bricks will be preserved and re-used, with careful cleaning and restoration.

Cllr Ray Bryan, portfolio holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “The Grade II listed bridge spans the River Stour and forms the part of the busy route between Blandford and Sherborne/Sturminster Newton.

“Many heavy goods vehicles use this important road to make deliveries to businesses and residents, so our specialist team will be doing the work at night to minimise disruption.

“They will work to complete the work as quickly as possible and, in the meantime, I thank everyone for their patience.”

The diversion route specified follows national regulations that state traffic is diverted onto the same classification of road as the road that is closed.

The team worked closely with external organisations, including the Environment Agency, and Historic England, when planning the repairs.