A key route in and out of Farnham town centre is scheduled to close for six weeks starting next month.

According to the one.network website, which lists highway authority-approved road schemes, Firgrove Hill will close at its bridge over the railway line from October 2 to November 17.

This is to allow Network Rail to undertake jet washing of the bridge before painting it with a special protective paint to prevent the metal from corroding.

Once complete this will give the bridge a 25 year lifespan, says Network Rail.

Diversion routes will redirect Firgrove Hill traffic over the Farnham Station level crossing and across the A31 at Hickleys Corner. See one.network for more information.

Network Rail and Surrey County Council have not yet shared any further detail about the scheme, including the rationale for such a long closure or exact timings.

The Herald first approached Network Rail for more information on August 31, and was told on September 6 the traffic management and diversionary routes are "determined by the local authority", in this case Surrey County Council.

The county council then told the Herald on September 11 that Network Rail "would be responsible for the traffic management plan if these are their works".

The council spokesman added this would include the "actual traffic management to be used and the ongoing maintenance of that, diversion routes etc".

But on the same day, a Network Rail spokesman told the Herald: "It is the gift of the local authority to approve and determine road diversions so they would be best placed to advise on details and rationale of the diversion."