Motorists are being warned that delays are likely as part of the busy A12 is due to be closed twice in quick succession.

Drivers will be faced with a near 70-mile diversion as a stretch of the road is closed for repairs and maintenance works next week and again in August.

It will see part of the major route temporarily shut, with the nightly closures in place along the A12 between Blythburgh and Darsham. 

According to the One Network highways map, the works will take place "from A12 London Road, Blythburgh to Chapel Road", with a diversion route of 112.14km - equivalent to 69 miles - in force.

With the work to be carried out in two phases, Suffolk Highways said for the first phase the A12 will be closed each evening from Monday, July 29, until Friday, August 2, as "surface dressing" to the road is carried out between 8pm and 5am.

The second phase - involving lining and road stud installations - takes place between 8pm and 5am from Monday, August 12, until Friday, August 17.

A spokesman said: "During this time, the road will be closed to ensure the safety of highway users and our operatives.

"For the duration of the closure, traffic will be diverted via the A1120, A140, A143, A145, A12 and vice versa."

According to Suffolk Highways, the official diversion route is in place "to accommodate all vehicle sizes."