Bridge repairs and maintenance work on a busy junction will close parts of the A419 in Swindon next month.

National Highways is advising drivers to plan their journeys ahead of weekend and overnight closures on the dual carriageway near South Marston.

As part of the government-owned company’s long-term maintenance of the road, essential repair work is needed to the north and south bridges of the White Hart junction, which will involve joint replacement and waterproofing, along with concrete repair work.

This follows several general maintenance closures put in place along the A417 and A419 this month which will include excavation of the bridge joints, concrete repairs and waterproofing, upgrading the concrete barrier and installing new bridge joints.

The closures will last overnight from 8pm on Wednesday, October 2, to 6am on Thursday, October 3. Then from 8pm on Friday, October 4 to 6am on Monday, October 7 and from 8pm on Thursday, October 10 to 6am on Friday, October 11.

After this, they will be from 8pm on October 11 to 6am on Monday, October 14, and nightly from 8pm on October 14 to 6am on Thursday, October 17.

During the closures, drivers should follow the below diversions: Northbound traffic to exit the A419 at the A420 junction and head towards the A420 Roundabout, where it will be instructed to take the second exit to continue north on the A420 Merlin Way allowing traffic to rejoin the A419.

Southbound traffic to exit the A419 at the A420 junction and head towards the A420 Roundabout, where it will be instructed to take the fourth exit to continue south on the A420 allowing traffic to rejoin the A419.

Advanced signage will be in place to warn of the closures and to allow the travelling public to plan their journeys.

National Highways is working with Wiltshire Council and Swindon Borough Council, all diversion routes have been agreed to keep disruption as minimal as possible, and all diversions will be clearly signed during the closures.

Sarah Lewis, service delivery manager for National Highways, said: “Safety is our number one priority, and we apologise for any inconvenience this may cause but need to carry out these essential repairs to ensure the long-term maintenance and safety of the roundabout and bridges.

“We understand that road closures are frustrating, but by fully closing the road, we can get this essential repair work done safely and quickly, causing less disruption overall.

“Once it's all complete, these improvements will benefit road users and the local community for many years to come.”