Drivers using Shropshire’s A5 between Shrewsbury and Oswestry have been warned today that they face long diversions when the trunk road closes overnight.

Motorists and lorry drivers face an extra 20 miles on their journeys when they are diverted via Welshpool to travel between the two Shropshire towns.

The busy road, part of the trans-continental highway, will be blocked off for resurfacing at Shotatton, north of Nesscliffe each night until September 19, Highways bosses said.

Workmen from the Highways Agency began overnight resurfacing and maintenance work on the A5 at various locations between Wolfshead Roundabout and Weirbrook last night.

Work is being carried out overnight from 8pm until 6am each weekday night.

A Highways Agency spokeswoman said that both northbound and south carriageways would be closed during that time.

The spokeswoman said the diversion route was well signposted.

She said: “Northbound traffic is being diverted from the A5 Churncote Roundabout onto the A458 to Welshpool and A483 to Oswestry.

“Southbound traffic will be diverted from A5 Mile End Roundabout and will follow the same route in reverse.”

However, local residents will be able to use the A5, despite the resurfacing.

“Access to villages between Churncote and Mile End Roundabouts will be maintained during the closure. A local diversion route for vehicles under 7.5 tonnes will be signed using the B4397 and B4396. This diversion is not suitable for vehicles over 7.5 tonnes.”

The diversion will be lifted for the weekend.

Those affected include those travelling to and from Holyhead for the ferries to Dublin and those travelling to regional airports.

The A5 through Shropshire is part of the Trans-European highway that connects mainland Europe to Ireland through England and Wales.