THE A31 will be closed overnight between the Roundhouse and Bere Regis roundabouts this week for resurfacing.

This seven-mile stretch will be closed in both directions from today to Friday from 10pm to 5.30am, in order to complete a safety upgrade started earlier this year.

Changes have included resurfacing, installing new road studs and road markings, plus clearing vegetation to improve visibility.

Separate diversions will be in place for long distance and local traffic and, where local roads meet the A31 on the closed section, a marshalling service will be set up.

Most traffic on the A31 will be directed to follow the main diversion route, via the A350 and the A35.

Local traffic will follow one of several secondary diversions routes, with drivers directed onto either the A354, A350 and the A35.

Some of these diversion routes will involve crossing the A31 at one of the marshalling points.

The work is expected to be completed overnight on Friday.