THE A31 will be closed overnight westbound for four weeks on a long stretch through the New Forest due to roadworks which begin on Monday.

The resurfacing and safety barrier maintenance work will be carried out by engineers from Highways England, beginning on Monday and taking place on Monday to Friday nights only.

The westbound carriageway will be closed between 9pm and 6am, all along the stretch through the forest between junction 2 of the M27 and the Ringwoodinterchange.

A diversion will be in place from junction 2 of the M27, south on the A326 to Totton, west along the A35 through Lyndhurst to Christchurch, then north on the A338, re-joining the A31 at the Ashley Heath roundabout.

The eastbound lane will remain open.