A KEY East Lancashire motorway interchange will shut overnight on 17 dates this month and next to increase capacity.

Junction 13 of the M65 at Nelson will close for resurfacing as a series major nearby economic development projects near completion.

It is scheduled to shut from 10.30am until 5am on Wednesday, April 26, and Thursday, April 27, from Tuesday, May 2, to Friday, May 5, from Monday, May 8, to Saturday, May 23, and from Monday, May 15, to Friday, May 19.

A diversion via the A6068 and A682 in Barrowford, Nelson and Colne will guide traffic to join or exit the M65 at junction 14.

Work over the last year to create extra capacity for traffic at the junction includes modifying two roundabouts, with up to four lanes in places and adding traffic lights to the one on the west side of the motorway.

Other minor improvements have been made nearby to improve capacity for vehicle and provide safer pedestrian and cycle access. While the junction is closed, road markings will be repainted.

The £1.5million scheme will improve access to sites including Barrowford Business Park and improve connections to Nelson town centre and the A682.