A KEY roundabout linking Worcester and Malvern is closing tonight.

Worcestershire County Council's highways department announced Powick Roundabout will be closed from 9pm on Sunday (July 24) until around 5.30am on Monday (July 25).

When it re-opens, there will be a changed road layout in place at Ketch and Powick roundabouts.

Last week, the council announced a phased opening for the A4440 between the Ketch and Powick Roundabouts.

According to the council, the full stretch of the road, which has been under construction for a number of years, will be open "in the next few weeks".

Once work is finished, the road will be opened in phases to enable motorists to familiarise themselves with the new layout.

The phased opening will also provide an opportunity for the final safety inspections to be carried out, some of which have to be conducted under live traffic conditions.

READ MORE: Powick Roundabout to re-open soon

The ongoing works include surfacing, signing and lining, completion of the pedestrian crossings and the reinstatement of the Ketch Viewpoint.

As well as the road improvements made as part of this scheme, three new bridges and an underpass for pedestrians and cyclists have been constructed, together with an improved shared-use path along Temeside Way.

Battenhall Railway Bridge has been extended, a farm access bridge has been replaced, two pedestrian crossings have been improved and street lighting has been upgraded, as well as a flood mitigation area having been provided that is already being used by wildlife