Night-time closures will be in place on a major Belconnen arterial road later this month as work ramps up on the William Hovell Drive duplication project.

A section of William Hovell Drive between Drake-Brockman Drive and John Gorton Drive will be closed in both directions overnight from 8pm to 6am, Monday, May 25 to Saturday, May 30, weather permitting.

The closures are needed to allow main construction works to begin on the William Hovell Drive Duplication, which will eventually see the road upgraded to two lanes in each direction over a 4.5-kilometre stretch between Drake-Brockman Drive and John Gorton Drive.

The works have been scheduled outside peak travel times in an effort to minimise disruption for commuters.

Detours will be in place during the closures, with motorists advised to use alternative routes via Belconnen Way, Southern Cross Drive and Coulter Drive depending on their direction of travel.

Transport authorities say alternative routes between Belconnen and Civic or Woden are available via Ginninderra Drive.

While detours are expected to add minor delays, Transport Canberra says bus services will continue to operate as normal, with no stops missed.

The duplication project also includes a new signalised intersection at Drake-Brockman Drive and Kingsford Smith Drive, aimed at improving safety and easing congestion.

The ACT Government says the upgrades are expected to reduce congestion, improve travel times and enhance safety for road users, and is delivering the project in partnership with the Australian Government.