The southbound A3 between Petersfield and Horndean will be closed again this weekend as resurfacing work continues.

The road will be closed between the A272 junction and junction 2 of the A3(M) from 9pm this Friday until 6am on Monday.

The closure is the second to take place on the stretch in a month with traffic being diverted via the A272, A32, Fareham, Cosham and the A3(M) with the northbound carriageway remaining open.

Although some rat-running was reported around the likes of Buriton and East Meon during the last closure the warnings by National Highways seemed to pay off.

But traffic is in the area is expected to be busy with project manager Joe Cairns urging motorists to stick to the official diversion routes.

He said: “It may be tempting to try a short cut or follow your sat-nav, but by doing so it can have a real negative impact on local communities.”