DRIVERS making essential journeys using the northbound Hindhead Tunnel on the A3 this weekend are advised to plan ahead due to some overnight closures for essential maintenance work.

Northbound closures are required as part of the ongoing work to upgrade the technology, including replacing the fans and lighting within the tunnel, and will take place on Saturday, February 6 and Sunday, February 7, from 9pm to 6am.

Traffic will be diverted via the A325 (from Longmoor), B3004 (Kingsley to Alton) and A31 (towards Guildford), there will also be a signed diversion from Petersfield via A32, A32 and A272.

Highways England is also advising drivers that the northbound tunnel will be closed for five nights from Monday, February 8 for further work. A contraflow will be in place in the southbound tunnel during this time.

Drivers using this stretch of road are advised to plan-ahead and leave extra time for their journeys.

Highways England provides live traffic information via its website (www.highwaysengland.co.uk/traffic), local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps.

Local Twitter services are also available at @HighwaysSEAST

Anyone wanting to know about the work can contact the company on 0300 123 5000 or email [email protected]