MOTORISTS are being warned about closures to sliproads off the M65 over the next few months.

Highways England have told Blackburn with Darwen Council Roads about improvement works between Junctions five and six.

On the junction five westbound exit slip road, the highways officials are looking to convert it into two-lane running.

It is believed it will reduce queuing traffic on the mainline carriageway.

Work is due to start from September 14, for four weekends.

This will take place between the hours of 9pm on the Friday to 5am on the Monday, per weekend.

There will be a 24-hour closure on the M65 Junction 5 westbound exit slip during the four weekends.

Also there will be 24-hour closures on the M65 between Junctions 6 westbound exit and entry slips on October 12 from 9pm to 5am October 15.

The work is to address some drainage issues and flooding on the M65 westbound carriageway between the Junction 6 exit slip and Junction 6 entry slip. 

There will be a diversion route in place to direct traffic off at the M65 Junction 6 exit slip onto Whitebirk Roundabout and then back onto the M65 via the Junction 6 entry slip.

A spokesman for Blackburn with Darwen Roads said: "Please be assured localised signed diversion routes will be in place for all closures associated with these improvement works.

"Highways England appreciate the works and closures can be an inconvenience and thank you for your patience during this time.

"Road closures and other traffic management requirements are necessary to ensure the public and our workforce is kept safe at all times.

"When carrying out certain elements of works, you may notice an increase in noise levels in the area. Please be assured that they will do everything possible to minimise the noise disruption throughout the works.

"Works are subject to weather conditions therefore dates may change at short notice.

"Highways England would like to apologise for any inconvenience these works may cause you. If you wish to discuss this project further or have any questions, please contact their 24hr Highways England Customer Care team by phone on 0300 123 5000 or email info@highwaysengland.co.uk."