OVERNIGHT closures of a major road are necessary for 'safety reasons' and will come at no extra cost to the taxpayer, highways bosses say.

We have previously reported how the A4440 Crookbarrow Way, part of the Southern Link Road, was closed overnight last night and will be closed again tonight and tomorrow.

READ MORE: Main road to close tonight for repainting work 

Worcestershire County Council has now confirmed why the closure of the road overnight has proved necessary, allowing for minor maintenance work to be completed, including the re-touching of paintwork.

A spokesperson for the council said: “Some routine inspections are being carried out during these overnight closures, and we are planning to use the closures to complete as many of the minor maintenance works for the Southern Link Road programme as possible, including re-touching of paintwork.

"The road needs to be closed overnight for safety reasons whilst the maintenance and inspections are carried out as access will be required from maintenance vehicles at carriageway level and some works will be taking place on the bridges, above the road.

"The works are being carried out at no cost to the county council, and we will keep residents updated with the length of the closure via our Travel Twitter account.”

Crookbarrow Way (A4440) in Worcester was closed both ways from 9pm last night. It will be closed again tonight (Tuesday) and again on Wednesday between the Whittington and Norton roundabouts. 

The work by Worcestershire County Council is to allow 'the correction of painting defects to Crookbarrow Way Footbridge'.

However, emergency access will be maintained. The footbridge can still be used by pedestrians and cyclists, escorted by safety marshals. 

The shared foot and cycleway on the A4440 cannot be used by pedestrians or cyclists.