SECTIONS of a major road will be shut while safety barrier work is carried out.

Highways England is planning to shut parts of the A31 overnight during the works, which are expected to last around nine weeks.

The phased closures will also affect both carriageways of the M27 between junctions one and two.

An exact date for when the works will start has not yet been confirmed, but they are expected to begin on or after Monday, June 5.

The overnight closures would take place between 10am and 6am.

The closures will affect both carriageways of the A31 between Cadnam Interchange (M27, J1) and the A350 Palmersford Roundabout, and between the A341 Merley Roundabout and the A350 Roundhouse Roundabout.

Both carriageways of the A31 passing through Canford Bottom Roundabout would also be shut.

During the closures, access to and from any adjacent side road will also be shut off (except at Canford Bottom), as well as all of the bus stops between Verwood Road Interchange and Palmersford Roundabout.

A 24-hour 50mph speed limit will be in place on the westbound carriageway of the A31 between Breach Lane, near Ringwood, and the centre point of the A338 Salisbury Road junction, as well as the slip road leading to the carriageway from Poulner Hill junction.

As well as safety barrier work, Highways England will also be renewing road markings along the A31 and carrying out sign and bridge works and routine maintenance.

During the closures, traffic will be diverted via other junctions of the A31, using roads including the A35, A338, A341, A347, A350, and B3073. The diversion routes will vary depending on the closure in place.

A spokesperson for Highways England said they were unable to comment further about the works in the “pre-election period”.

As previously reported, a public consultation for the proposed A31 widening scheme has also been delayed until after the General Election.

The earliest the consultation will be held is June 30-July 1.

The two-day event will discuss options for widening the westbound dual carriageway to three lanes.

If the scheme goes ahead, the work will not be completed until 2020.