Drivers face 50-mile diversion as major road closes

This is the first phase of weekend roadworks on the A3

Drivers could face a more than 50-mile diversion as a major road is closed for essential resurfacing work, National Highways have said.

A section of the A3, a vital link between Portsmouth and London, will shut from 21:00 BST until 06:00 on Monday.

The closure will run between Petersfield and Horndean and a lengthy diversion will be in place.

It is the first phase of weekend roadworks on the A3, with a second closure coming into place from 25 October.

Part of A3 in Hampshire shut for essential resurfacing work

National Highways Project Manager Joe Cairns said the work is planned "carefully to try and minimize disruption" which is why it will take place at weekends.

"There will be an impact and a degree of disruption which we apologise for, but the alternative would be to have this work taking place intermittently over six or seven-week period which would require numerous closures and significantly more disruption and hassle for local people," Mr Cairns added.

He urged drivers to follow the diversions that have been put in place but asked them to avoid the area if they can.

Long diversion

Drivers travelling from London to Portsmouth will see a diversion via the A272 west towards West Meon Hut, A32 south towards Fareham, A27 east through Porchester and Cosham, and the A3 London Road/ Portsmouth Road north via Purbrook, Waterlooville and Cowplain to A3M Junction 2.