If you see signs or hear talk warning of a week of road closures on one of the main thoroughfares into Cirencester, do not panic just yet.

The Roman Road in question - and yes, it has been resurfaced more than once since those heady days of colonial rule - is the A429 Burford Road which runs East, North East out of the town towards the artery that is the A417.

Why you do not need to panic is because the work, due to take place from Monday, July 31, to Friday, August 7, has been arranged for the night time - between 7pm and 7am.

If you plan to exit the town driving a heavy goods vehicle during those times, heading for the aforementioned A417, you may be facing a 12-mile detour, unless you know an alternative shortcut.

That would be six miles down the A419 Cirencester Road to near Cerney Wick where you can turn around and drive back up the A417.

While you're doing that road crews will be using some of the 872 tonnes of material to resurface 6,000 square metres of the busy route linking Grove Lane to the A417.

Cllr Vernon Smith, cabinet member for highways, said: "This part of the A429 has deteriorated and needs a new surface, so as part of our £150 million investment in the counties roads we are tackling the problem head on. We know this road is important for the area so please bear with us while the work is completed."

Cllr Nigel Robbins OBE, local member for Cirencester Beeches, said: "This is a key route for commuters as well as an important link connecting Cirencester residents to the Cotswolds and beyond. I have urged the council to resurface Burford Road for a number of years, so am very pleased that this long overdue project will now receive the necessary investment."

What's the diversion route?

From the northern end of the closure, take the A417 towards Swindon. Continue along the road until you reach an exit towards South Cerney, Cerney Wick B4696. Take the exit and continue along the roundabout and over the bridge in the direction to the A419 Cirencester.

Take the A419 and continue along the road to the roundabout with Bristol Road/A429 - take the third exit and continue on the A429 Swindon Road. At the next roundabout take the third exit towards Burford Rd.