DRIVERS will have to follow a 34-mile diversion around Basingstoke to bypass roadworks.

Carriageway surface repairs will take place on the A340 Main Road by Tadley Hill for five days in March.

The road works were originally set to take place back in November last year, but they were postponed by Hampshire County Council.

The works are now programmed to commence on March 25 and are expected to last until March 30, during which time the road will need to be closed to vehicular traffic.

Hampshire County Council has published the official diversion route online, which will take approximately one hour and two minutes to follow the 34 mile route.

Alternatively, there are a number of shorter but unofficial routes that drivers can take to avoid the road closure. These 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.

The diversion route will be signposted on the road.

To view the official diversion route visit the Hampshire County Council website by clicking here.