WORKS will be carried out on a number of Dorset's busiest routes over the coming fortnight.

Engineers from Dorset Highways contractor Eurovia Specialist Treatments have started to treat large sections of A-roads to protect them from water damage.

Many of the carriageways have already been patched during the past 12 months in preparation for the surface treatment.

Work will be carried out between 9am and 4pm, with most sites using two-way lights and convoy working, where a vehicle travelling at 10 miles per hour will lead drivers through the works area.

Today, Tuesday, the A348 Ringwood Road between Longham Bridge and Lake Farm Close and the A350 from the junction of Newton Road to the A31 roundabout in Sturminster Marshall will be affected.

Work will then move to the west of the county.

Councillor Daryl Turner, cabinet member for the natural and built environment, said: “Each year we carry out a premium surface dressing treatment on a number of our busier roads to help keep them sealed from water, which causes significant damage.

“Although the work is being done during the quietest part of the day, we know that this will still cause disruption to a great many people – please bear with us while these important road maintenance activities are carried out.”