TRAFFIC delays are expected as a major expressway route through Runcorn will close for 18 months on Monday, March 30 to make way for the new £1.86 billon Mersey Gateway project.

Drivers using the Bridgewater, Daresbury and Central Expressways near Astmoor industrial estate are warned to prepare for significant disruption as major work starts and diversions and lane closures come into operation.

The planned diversion route will direct eastbound traffic heading towards Daresbury that would normally use the A533 Bridgewater Expressway through Astmoor.

Hugh O'Connor, general manager for Merseylink, said: "We expect this will add extra journey time to traffic travelling in all directions in this busy area.

“I'd like to urge everyone to drive safely and follow the reduced speed limits.

“I understand that delays cause frustration and we are doing everything we can to minimise the impact.

"This is one of the largest single areas of work for the project.

“We have kept the expressways open for as long as possible to maintain traffic flow, but we have now reached the stage where we have to close this part of the road to keep everyone safe."

The diversion will run between Astmoor junction and Haddocks Wood, where it will rejoin the main carriageway.

The existing junctions on the diversion route have been improved to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum.

There will be disruption in this location until the new bridge opens in 2017 whilst the new Bridgewater junction - which will connect the Bridgewater and Daresbury Expressways to the new bridge - is constructed.

The eastbound diversion through Astmoor heading towards Daresbury will start in the early hours of Monday, March 30.

The westbound carriageway heading towards the Silver Jubilee bridge on the A558 Daresbury Expressway will be reduced to one lane from Monday, March 23.

Traffic diversions will continue for the following 18 months.

Signage alerting drivers to the upcoming diversions is already in place and there have been ongoing discussions with businesses in the Astmoor area to keep them informed.

Halton Council leader Cllr Rob Polhill, chairman of the Mersey Gateway Crossings Board, said: "We understand that delays will be likely during this period and businesses in the area will be amongst the most affected.

"Although this will be a frustrating time, we ask that road users remain patient while this essential work takes place.

“Please be assured that these works are essential and Merseylink are doing all they can to minimise impact of the works while keeping the safety of road users and project employees paramount.

"Once completed, the bridge and improved road network will bring vast benefits such as less congestion and a reduction in journey times to businesses and residents alike, and we would ask that road users keep this in mind throughout the extensive construction period. "

The new Bridgewater junction involves creating a new double roundabout, which will provide a link between the new bridge/Central Expressway and the Daresbury and Bridgewater Expressways when the new bridge opens.

Piling work to build the new junction will begin on March 23 at the Bridgewater site and is expected to last for about nine months.

The work will start just north of the Bridgewater Canal and move towards Astmoor.

Once the piling work is complete then cranes will move in and concreting activity will start.

It will take about two years to build the new junction.

This piling work is to provide the foundations for the construction of 24 new piers, that will support the deck of the approach road to the bridge between the Bridgewater Canal and the Manchester Ship Canal.

Whilst the diversions will be in place 24-hours a day, seven days a week, the piling work will be happening between the hours of 7am-7pm Monday to Friday and 7am-1pm on Saturday.