TEMPORARY traffic lights on the A35 at Bloxworth are likely to remain in place until late Friday, says Dorset County Council.

Police closed the road in both directions between Bere Regis and the Baker’s Arms roundabout on Wednesday after the highway flooded.

Engineers installed the lights in time for Wednesday evening rush-hour, enabling the road to reopen.

However, drivers have reported significant delays queuing through up to the lights in both directions.

A Dorset County Council spokesman told the Daily Echo the road flooded due to melting snow and a collapsed culvert.

Maintenance work is being carried out on scene, but traffic workers say it will be until at least late afternoon/early evening on Friday before they can remove the temporary lights.

In the meantime motorists are warned to expect delays.