THE A417 has been closed in both directions after a van caught fire on the Air Balloon roundabout near Birdlip today.

This road is currently closed between the A436 Air Balloon Roundabout and the A419/A429.

Emergency services are currently working at the scene and recovery has been arranged.

Contractors are en route to assess the carriageway for any damage.

The following diversion routes have been put in place:

Southbound - Solid Circle

- At Air Balloon Roundabout take the 1st exit onto A436 Stow-on-the-Wold.
- Continue along the A436 eastbound until the traffic lights junction with the A40, turn right onto the A40 towards Oxford.
- Continue along the A40 until the junction the A429 near Northleach.
- At the roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the A429 towards Cirencester.
- Continue along the A429, at the A417 Burford Road junction roundabout take the 1st exit to re-join the A417 southbound.

Northbound - Solid Square

- Leave A419 at Burford Road Interchange Exit slip. At 1st Roundabout take 3rd exit onto the A429 Stow and continue north.
- At the roundabout junction with the A40, take the 1st exit onto the A40 towards Cheltenham.
- At next traffic light junction take left slip lane and turn left onto the A436 towards Gloucester.
- Continue along the A436 westbound to re-join the A417 at Air Balloon Roundabout.

Motorists have been advised to plan their journeys accordingly and allow extra time for delays.

Further information is available from National Highways by visiting www.trafficengland.com or via its regional twitter feed. 

National Highways' 24/7 contact centre team is also available to provide up to the minute information on 0300 123 5000. 

UPDATE: The road has now been reopened in both directions