The A259 near the Royal Albion hotel is expected to remain closed for the next three weeks following the devastating fire a week ago.

Demolition work is expected to take three weeks meaning the A259 Grand Junction Road will remain shut between the Palace Pier and Black Lion Street.

But the westbound side of the A259 could open next week as work progresses.

Brighton and Hove City Council is urging people to use diversions such as the A270 Old Shoreham Road to avoid the area.

The Argus: Smoke spread across the city as the fire raged on last SaturdaySmoke spread across the city as the fire raged on last Saturday (Image: The Argus)

A spokesman for the council said: “Part of King's Road (A259) between the Aquarium roundabout and East Street, as well as most of Pool Valley, has been fenced off due to the risk of falling debris during the demolition process. 

“Madeira Drive and the Aquarium roundabout remain open.

“Pool Valley and part of the A259 is expected to remain closed for the next 3 weeks. We hope to open the A259 westbound next week.

“Diversions will be in place and traffic should use alternative routes such as the A270 to avoid the area as much as possible. Diversion route signage will be installed.

“The National Express bus service can be accessed from the nearby stop at the Old Steine (stop Z).”

Work continued today on the west wing of the Grade II* listed hotel following a flare up in a “new location” of the building.