TRAFFIC in and out of Preston is likely to be plunged into chaos next week as urgent bridge repairs take place.

The bridge at Gregson's Farm on the A59 at Samlesbury was hit by an excavator being carried on the back of a truck.

Parts of the bridge must be removed and the eastbound carriageway will be closed from 8pm on Thursday, February 21, to Sunday, February 24.

The westbound carriageway will be closed from 10am on Friday, February 22 until Tuesday, February 26.

Paul Turner of the Highways Agency said: "The bridge was very badly damaged by the accident and although we have put temporary supports in to make it safe, subsequent structural investigations leave us with no alternative but to take the deck off."