FLOODING could see part of the A303 closed for up to two weeks as more wet weather is forecast.

The eastbound carriageway of the road between the A36 near Deptford and the A360 near Stonehenge has been closed since January 9 due to water of up to 12 inches flowing across the road.

A one-mile contraflow system was set up on the westbound carriageway to allow the eastbound route to reopen.

A 50mph temporary speed limit has also been put in place for the safety of road users and 500 sand bags have been taken to the site in case they are needed.

Highways Agency service delivery manager Dave Sledge said: “We have been working closely with the Environment Agency to assess the flooding situation in the area and we have been advised that water levels may not return to normal for some time to come if the spell of wet weather continues.

“The contraflow system we have introduced is working well, and this will remain in place until road conditions return to normal but we are continually assessing the situation and will do everything we can to get the A303 fully reopened as soon as possible.”

Drivers are advised to leave extra time for their journeys, to plan travel routes in advance and keep up-to-date with the latest road conditions.

The slip road on the A36 from the eastbound carriageway of the A303 has now reopened but the slip road from the A36 to the A303 will remain closed.

Pumping water from the carriageway into the River Wylye has been considered but is not possible as the river levels remain very high and additional water may increase the risk of flooding downstream of the site.

* Police are urging drivers to take extra care on flooded roads. A number of areas are still affected by a large amount of standing water, including the A345 from Amesbury to Salisbury.