A major road will be closed overnight for two days as work to introduce new speed restrictions takes place.

The A46 north of the Cold Ashton roundabout will close later from 20:00 GMT until 06:00 GMT on Friday, before closing again at the same time on Friday evening until 06:00 GMT on Saturday.  The work, which is hoped to increase safety, includes the installation of new signage.

Sean Walsh, National Highways A46 route manager, said the decision to implement new speed restrictions was made following a review of collision data, which identified a total of 41 incidents, 79 casualties and two deaths between 2017 and 2021.  "The scheme is designed to improve safety for all road users and reduce the number of people harmed on the region's roads," he said.

The speed limit reductions include:

* Speed reduced to 50mph (80km/h) south of M4 J18 to Pennsylvania Village

* Speed reduced to 30mph (48km/h) through Pennsylvania Village

* Speed reduced to 40mph (64km/h) south of Pennsylvania to Upper Swainswick, where it returns to 50mph

Further closures are planned throughout March, with a combination of temporary traffic lights and overnight closures expected.

The A46 north of the Cold Ashton roundabout will be closed overnight, from 20:00 GMT to 06:00 GMT, on:

* Thursday 6 March to Friday 7 March

* Friday 7 March to Saturday 8 March

Diversions during this time will be via the B4465, the A4174 and the A420 back to Cold Ashton.

The A46 south of the Cold Ashton roundabout is expected to be closed overnight, from 20:00 GMT to 06:00 GMT, on:

* Wednesday 12 March to Thursday 13 March

* Thursday 13 March to Friday 14 March

* Friday 14 March to Saturday 15 March

* Monday 17 March to Tuesday 18 March

Motorists will be diverted via the A420, the A350 and the A4 during this time.  Other local roads, including Field Lane, Dundsdown Lane, Sands Hill and Middledown Road will also have short diversion for the removal and installation of signage.

Mr Walsh said: "We thank people in advance for their patience and we advise people to plan ahead and allow extra time for their journeys."

Working with Avon and Somerset Police, South Gloucestershire Council and Bath and North East Somerset Council, the changes are being funded by National Highways' Safety Congestion Fund.