MOTORISTS will not be able to use the Heads of the Valleys road between Gilwern and Brynmawr this weekend.

The A465 closure starts on Friday (June 5) at 8pm and extends through to 6am on Monday (June 8)

Engineers Costain say the closure is required for the diversion of a major gas main and for other early construction-related activities that require access to the full width of the road.

Diversions from both ends of the closure will be signposted.

Access will be maintained through the site for emergency service vehicles which will be escorted by the construction company's traffic management team.

Mark Young, Construction Manager for Costain, said, "We are very conscious the closure will create some disruption to the local communities and we very much regret any inconvenience it may cause."

He added, "We are planning to do as much work as possible during the weekend closure and to take advantage of the road space so that full closures on this very busy section of road become the exception.

"We are working closely with the local authorities and emergency services to facilitate diversions and emergency access through the closure for emergency vehicles and some localised movements across the closure at the Saleyard and Gilwern junctions."