ROAD closures will be in place around Junction One of the M53 after the May Bank Holiday weekend as work to strengthen the Bidston Moss Viaduct continues.

The work, which begins on Tuesday, May 31, will involve bridge deck repairs, waterproofing and drainage improvements. The completion date for the scheme is Spring 2012.

Once finished, the improvements to the viaduct, part of the main route into the Kingsway tunnel will lift the current weight restrictions, help to reduce congestion, and improve lighting and drainage.

Although traffic diversions to or from Kingsway Tunnel will be in operation, Kingsway Tunnel will remain open to traffic for the duration of the work.

At certain times one of the two tunnel bores may be closed for maintenance works, during these times traffic will operate in contra-flow.

Highways Agency project manager, Graham Dakin, said: "The viaduct is the main route into the Kingsway Tunnel, under the River Mersey, and is used by over 50,000 vehicles daily, including 3,000 heavy goods vehicles.

"The improvements we are making will allow the viaduct to operate at its full capacity, allowing vehicles over 3.5 tonnes back onto all parts of the viaduct.

"In order to complete the scheme, a number of lane or carriageway closures will be in place around junction One of the M53 from Tuesday May 31 until scheme completion in spring 2012.

"The closures are needed to provide a safe working area for the workforce and to ensure the safety of road users."

Full details on the work and closures are available on the websites in the related links section below this article.