A SUMMER-long road closure between Ledbury and Hereford is set to be in place longer than expected. 

The A438 is set to be closed at Five Bridges, Bartestree, between Hagley and Dormington for major excavation and bridge strengthening works.

Letters sent out to residents by Herefordshire Council and infrastructure group Balfour Beatty said the work would mean a road closure would be in place from Monday, July 22 until Tuesday, August 20.

However, a Herefordshire Council spokesperson confirmed the work would take longer than expected when the letters were sent out. 

The works will now require a full road closure, 24 hours a day, from Monday, July 22 until Friday, August 30. 

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Vehicular access through the closure will not be possible, however, people will be able to walk along the road at all times. 

Cllr Barry Durkin, Cabinet Member Roads and Regulatory Services at Herefordshire Council said: “These works are absolutely necessary to maintain the safety and integrity of the road surface and bridge structure. 

"Unfortunately, the scale of the works means a full road closure is required. 

"We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause, and would like to thank local people for their patience.”

Marshalls will be on-site during the works to assist with any questions about access. 

A fully signed diversion route will be available to commuters via the A417, A4103, A465 and A438 Folly Lane and vice versa.

Bruce Evans, the engineering manager at Herefordshire Council, added: "We have got quite a good diversion route planned so although the delay won't be completely eradicated we have tried to minimise the impact. 

"We have tried to conduct this work during the school holidays, obviously people will still be travelling between Ledbury and Hereford but overall the impact will be minimised through this decision."

Visit www.herefordshire.gov.uk/council/contact-us or call 01432 261800 to contact Herefordshire Council if you have any questions regarding the works or the road closure.