UPDATE: National Highways has confirmed this closure has now been cancelled and the A303 will be open tonight.

A STRETCH of the A303 in Somerset will be closed in both directions for seven hours overnight.

The road will be shut between Podimore (A37) and Sparkford (A359) to allow drainage works to be carried out.

The road will close at 9pm tonight (Thursday, September 1) and re-open at 4am tomorrow (Friday, September 2).

There will be a diversion in place via Ilchester, Sherborne, East Stour, and Leigh Common.

The National Highways daily closures website said: “A303 both directions Podimore (A37) to Sparkford (A359) closed for drainage works.

“Diversion eastbound via Ilchester A37, A30 eastbound through Sherborne, B3092 northbound at East Stour, B3081 northbound to Leigh Common. In reverse for westbound.”

The A303 will also be closed westbound between Parkhouse and the Countess Roundabout near Salisbury between 9pm and 6am. 

It will also be shut for motorists heading west on Salisbury Road. 

Planned closures on England's motorways and major A roads are listed on the National Highways website.

For more information, visit nationalhighways.co.uk/travel-updates/road-closure-report.