Thousands of people heading to Stonehenge for this year’s summer solstice have been warned about a road closure in the area.

About 8,000 gathered at the ancient site near Salisbury in 2023 to celebrate the longest day of year – and a similar number is expected on Thursday.

National Highways is advising motorists to leave extra time for journeys and plan ahead if using the A303.

Traffic will be diverted via sections of the A345, A303 and A36. A “comprehensive signage system” will direct motorists around Salisbury to alternative routes, a National Highways spokesperson confirmed.

Drivers have been urged to follow road signs rather than their sat navs, the spokesperson added.

A 40mph speed limit will be in place on the A303 between the Countess roundabout and Longbarrow roundabout. Lay-bys will also be closed along the same route, and the dual carriageway will be reduced to a single lane.

A section of the A360, between the junction of The Avenue and Longbarrow junction on the A303 remains closed for by Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks, on behalf of National Highways.

With limited parking on site, English Heritage has advised visitors to use public transport or car share.

Buses will run from Salisbury, and pedestrians should use the temporary crossing on the A303 at Stonehenge Cottages.