DRIVERS in the Sherborne area face weeks of traffic misery with a closure on the busy A30.

The road will be closed at Newell’s junction with Marston Road from today for up to eight weeks to allow for drainage repairs.

Dorset County Council said the road would be closed around the clock, with a signposted diversion for light vehicles via the B3145 (New Street) and A352 both ways, and a separate diversion signposted for HGVs.

Temporary traffic lights will be put up to manage the diversion of traffic through the junction of the A352 and B3145. They will be manned at peak times.

Businesses will trade as normal in the area of the closure, but there will be no through access.

South West Trains will be offering an “enhanced service” through Sherborne station with extra trains in order to give travellers alternative ways to travel.

More information is at southwesttrains.co.uk