MOTORISTS are being warned to expect five months of long delays as a major roadworks project begins on a three-mile stretch of the A56.

The £7.5million Highways Agency scheme is taking place on a stretch between Bentgate, Haslingden, and Rising Bridge, which is used by more than 50,000 motorists every day.

The work, which starts on Saturday, and is due to be completed next March, includes resurfacing the northbound carriageway, removing the existing lighting columns from the central reservation and inst-alling new lighting columns in both northbound and south-bound verges.

Safety barriers in both the north and southbound verges will also be replaced and bridge maint-enance and upgrading works will also take place.

There will be a combination of lane closures in both directions and full closures, northbound only, for resurfacing work.

Work will be taking place overnight between 10pm and 5am during the week.

However, work will take place outside these times at weekends.

Minister for the North West Phil Woolas said: “This is very welcome.

“Anyone who uses this route will see the common sense in cutting congestion and improving safety.

“This will boost the North East Lancashire economy by creating a better link to Greater Manchester.”

When lane closures are in place, a 50mph speed limit will be in place.

Transport bosses said the work was vital for improving access and making journeys easier for road users.