MAINTENANCE along the Thelwall Viaduct will see speed restrictions over the bridge during works.

The £2.5 million project will see expansion joints replaced along the two bridges and will see a traffic contraflow in force for up to 10 weeks.

Four lanes of traffic will be maintained throughout the works but with narrower lanes and 40 mph speed levels set in the roadworks section which will be monitored by safety cameras.

The first of a series of overnight closures will start next Thursday and motorists are being warned of daily congestion and diversions from Lymm and Croft during the closures.

Alan Shepherd, the Highways Agency’s director for the north west, said: “Regular users of Thelwall Viaduct will be aware the bridge joints have started to fail recently, leading to some disruptive lane closures for emergency repairs.

“This essential maintenance will tackle that but will inevitably increase congestion and journey times – although we hope drivers will appreciate tackling wear and tear is absolutely crucial to keeping our motorways operating safely and efficiently.”