National Highways is advising drivers to plan ahead for two full weekend closures of the A417 in Gloucestershire.

To progress the A417 Missing Link scheme, work will be starting to install drainage and utilities along a two-mile section between the A46 Brockworth junction and the Air Balloon roundabout.

The work will see closures between:

• 11pm on Friday, February 21, to 6am on Monday, February 24
• 11pm on Friday, March 7, to 6am on Monday, March 10

Fully signed diversion routes, approved by Gloucestershire County Council, will be in place during the closures:

Southbound diversion - Brockworth junction to Air Balloon roundabout

• Turn left towards Cheltenham onto the A46 Shurdington Road
• Turn right towards Oxford onto the A40 Thirlestaine Road
• Turn right towards Cirencester onto the A40 Old bath Road
• Turn right towards Cirencester on the A345
• Continue straight towards Birdlip
• Turn right on the Seven Springs roundabout onto the A436
• Turn left towards Cirencester onto the A417

Northbound diversion - Air Balloon roundabout to Brockworth junction

• From Seven Springs roundabout, follow Cirencester road towards Cheltenham
• Continue on the A435 and turn left towards Cheltenham onto the A40
• Turn left onto the A40 Old Bath Road
• Follow the road to the right and remain on the A40
• Turn left onto the A46 Shurdington Road
• Take the third turning at Brockworth junction to travel towards Gloucester

Access for residents with permits and emergency services will be fully maintained during the closures.

Steve Foxley, project director for the A417 Missing Link, said: "We understand that any closures can be frustrating, but we carefully plan our schemes to limit any inconvenience as much as possible.

"Our message for anyone who plans to travel on the A417 is to avoid the area if you can - if that's not possible, allow yourself plenty of extra time to complete your journey via our diversion routes and expect delays.

"We thank users for their patience while we carry out this vital work that will help deliver desperately needed improvements."

A customer hub at the Crusher Plant will also open next week. The drop-in facility is welcoming visitors to the A417 Missing Link project throughout February, running every Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am-2pm. You can find directions to the Crusher Plant, GL4 8JX (past Acorn House) on the project webpage.