National Highways is advising drivers travelling on the A303 to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys following overnight flooding.

The A303 eastbound carriageway has been closed under the A36 Deptford interchange today (January 19) and is likely to be closed for the foreseeable future until water levels subside.

The A303 eastbound entry slip road and lane 1 were initially closed last night but with water run-off reaching lane 2, a full eastbound closure was put in place for safety reasons between the Deptford interchange and the A360 junction at Winterbourne Stoke.

Lane 2 of the westbound carriageway was also temporarily closed to traffic at the location due to safety concerns regarding water overspill from the eastbound carriageway freezing during the current low temperatures.

Eastbound traffic is currently being diverted from the Deptford interchange, via the A36 and B390 to Shrewton and A360 to rejoin the A303 at the Longbarrow roundabout.

And in the meantime, preparations are under way to install a contraflow system prior to the Deptford junction to enable eastbound and westbound traffic to travel in both directions on the westbound carriageway, under 40mph speed restrictions, until water levels subside.

Rob Penney, Head of South West Service Delivery for National Highways, said: "Flooding has been a regional issue in the South West, and we're doing everything we can to prevent the run-off floodwater from freezing and creating further issues.

"The eastbound carriageway has been closed to protect the travelling public and we''re now preparing to put in a contraflow system to keep traffic moving in both directions along the A303.

"We appreciate this will cause some delays to people's journeys, and we advise people to add a little extra time for their journeys, and to consider alternative routes where they can.

"In the meantime, we thank all drivers in advance for their co-operation and patience until such time it's safe to reopen the A303 eastbound at this location."

Up-to-date travel information is available from National Highways by visiting www.trafficengland.com and Twitter updates are also available at @HighwaysSWEST. For urgent real-time assistance, our 24/7 contact centre team is able to provide up-to-the minute information on 0300 123 5000.