A section of the Mountain Road will be closed today, so the Department of Transport can carry out improvements.

The route is being resurfaced between the Black Hut and the East Mountain Gate, and will be closed from Ramsey Hairpin to the Bungalow to allow road markings to be removed.

Weight and speed restrictions will be in place for the rest of the week and traffic management will lead to delays.

The Department of Transport is asking drivers to avoid the area if at all possible and says vehicles over 7.5 tonnes must use alternative routes.

It's hoped work will be completed by Friday.

Transport Minister David Anderson says the work is necessary to protect the road structure and improve its surface, and has to be carried out during the warmer summer months for the treatment to be successful.

A 20mph speed limit will be in place through the area being surface dressed, with a 50mph limit either side, between Guthrie's Memorial and the Bungalow.

To avoid damage being caused to the new surface dressing, and to ensure the safety of drivers during the period when there are likely to be loose chippings, the speed limits will remain in force until June 28.