UPPER Street will be shut for the next three weeks as Transport for London embark on a major resurfacing project.

The work is expected to cause significant disruption and drivers will have to plan ahead if they want to avoid the diversions. These will be in effect every week night except Fridays, with restrictions expected to be in place from 8pm until 6am.

The works will happen in phases, with different sections of the road being blocked off from Monday evening.

The first restrictions will see vehicles banned from the section of the street between Essex Road and Canonbury Road, with closures then preventing travel from Pentonville Road to Islington Green on November 3.

The third phase, on November 17, means traffic will be blocked off between Highbury Corner and City Road. A number of bus routes will also be impacted, with diversions expected for those travelling on the 4, 19, 30, 43, N19, N41 and N277.

Pavement and pedestrian cross­ings will remain open, and cyclists are being encouraged to follow the signage for diverted routes.