MOTORISTS face a long diversion away from the M27 overnight due to resurfacing works.

The A31 at Minstead in the New Forest will be closed for four nights.

The westbound carriageway will be shut from all the way back at junction 2 of the M27 to Stoney Cross between 9pm and 6am for four nights from Thursday, November 21.

A signed diversion will be in place from junction 2 of the M27. This will take motorists all the way to Salisbury via the A36 and then south on the A338 to rejoin the A31.

This route will send vehicles on a 33-mile journey to the A31 at Ringwood, compared with the typical 14 miles if staying on the motorway and Highways England-managed dual carriageway.