DRIVERS will have to follow a 95-mile diversion around Basingstoke to bypass a small stretch of roadworks.

Carriageway surface repairs due to take place on a stretch of road just under a mile long will cause huge delays to drivers, with the diversion route expected to take two hours and forty minutes to follow.

Carriageway surface repairs to replace the top layer of the road construction with a new asphalt surface, will take place on the Priory Lane near Whitchurch for two days in June.

The works are programmed to commence on June 28 and are expected to last until June 30, during which time the road will need to be closed to vehicular traffic.

Whilst the works have been given a date in June, a note on the council website states: “The works may not take place on the first date advertised but will take place during the dates shown on the sign.”

Hampshire County Council has published the official diversion route online, which can be viewed by clicking this link.

Alternatively, for locals who know their way around, there are a number of shorter but unofficial routes that drivers can take to avoid the road closure.

The alternative routes may not suitable for HGVs and should be avoided if using larger machinery.

Any person who breaches the road closure could be convicted or face a fine not exceeding £1,000.