A major road artery through Twickenham is to be closed through the night for eight weeks.

The closure is due to the fact that Network Rail will be carrying out major maintenance works on the railway bridge over Heath Road.

The road closure, which will apply to Heath Road and the junction with The Green, will run from 10pm to 5am every day from February 20 through to April 14.

Richmond Council said: "The Heath Road junction with The Green will be closed nightly with an approved diversion route, prohibiting vehicle access only. Variable Message Signs (VMS) are positioned on Heath Road, Staines Road and The Green."

Officials warned that that despite the use of specialist equipment designed to minimise noise there will inevitably be some disturbance to residents trying to sleep.

Network Rail said: "Engineers will be carrying out refurbishment work to Heath Road railway bridge.

"Teams have been preparing the bridge with the use of a jet washer and carrying out painting work.

"A road closure will be in place at night with an approved diversion route, prohibiting vehicle access only but pedestrian access will still be available."