Drivers have been urged to plan ahead as an eight-mile section of East Hampshire’s busiest road will be closed for another weekend.

National Highways has confirmed the southbound A3 will be closed between Petersfield and Horndean from 9pm this Friday for more essential resurfacing work.

The road will be closed between the A272 junction and Junction 2 of the A3(M) and will not reopen until 6am on Monday. Motorists are being encouraged to plan their journeys in advance and allow extra time for travel.

Project manager Joe Cairns said: “We know the previous weekend closure resulted in gridlock for local villages and exceptionally heavy traffic conditions in rural lanes. To avoid this happening again, please consider if your journey is necessary.”

Although the official diversion – which will be clearly signed – for traffic heading from Petersfield to Horndean is via the A272, A32, M27 and A3(M), extra traffic through nearby areas is likely.