Part of the A27 will be closed this evening as "critical" repairs are carried out on a bridge.

Road works to repair the Patcham Viaduct bridge will start this evening from 8pm and 5am between the junction with the A27 to the Devil’s Dyke interchange.

The stretch of the road will be closed westbound every weeknight until December 19, with a diversion in place along the A23, A270 and A293.

The Devil’s Dyke interchange will also be open for local access.

The Argus: A map of the diversion route recommended by National HighwaysA map of the diversion route recommended by National Highways (Image: Google Maps)

A spokesman for National Highways said: “The maintenance includes repairs to the bridge, replacing expansion joints, resurfacing and waterproofing.

“This work is critical to maintaining and improving safety.

“These essential works may generate additional noise through the night. We’ll make every effort to ensure the impact on the local community and the travelling public is kept to a minimum during these repairs.”

The stretch of the A27 will also be closed on weeknights between 8pm and 5am in the new year, from January 9 to 20.

The westbound section of the road will then be closed again between January 23 and January 27.