A village in Norfolk is to be cut in two as roadworks send drivers on an 18-mile diversion.

The works on Lithcham Road in Great Dunham begin next Monday and are set to cause disruption for two weeks.

The roadworks will see the installation of "trial holes" for a new drainage system. 

A spokesman for Norfolk County Council said: "The trial holes are a vital element of the design of a new drainage system along Litcham Road.

The official diversion routeThe official diversion route (Image: Norfolk County Council)

"To ensure the work can be carried out swiftly and safely, this section of Litcham Road will be closed to through traffic throughout the duration of the works, as the trial holes will be dug within the carriageway."

The works will be carried out between the Castle Acre Road junction and the Station Road junction.

READ MORE: 7 roadworks causing disruption across Norfolk and Waveney

Access to homes will be maintained throughout.

The spokesman added: "The County Council thanks people for their patience while this preliminary work for proposed future drainage improvement is carried out."