DRIVERS are being urged to watch out for new diversions on Runcorn’s expressways as construction of the new Mersey Gateway gears up.

New road closures, speed restrictions and give way signs now in place.

Motorists are being warned to drive with caution and allow extra time for their journeys.

The eastbound A533 is closed and all traffic is being diverted through Astmoor industrial estate.

The disruption is also affecting traffic on the Central and Daresbury expressways.

The closure and diversion in the area is also affecting traffic using the Central and Daresbury Expressways.

One of the major impacts is for traffic heading from the westbound Bridgewater Expressway into Astmoor.

Anyone travelling in this direction now has to give way to traffic being diverted off the eastbound Bridgewater Expressway and along the main diversion through Astmoor.

The closure of the northbound slip road from Boston Avenue to the Central Expressway has also been extended and this will now be shut until further notice.

Hugh O'Connor, general manager for Merseylink, said: "There are new give way arrangements at the junction approaching the Astmoor industrial estate from the westbound Bridgewater Expressway and if you are following the diversion to Daresbury from the Central Expressway.

"Please be aware there are other changes drivers will need to get used to.

“Our message is that anyone driving in this area should expect their normal route to be affected in some way and to pay close attention to the signs.

"We've reduced the speed limits across the site for safety reasons to keep road users, pedestrians and workers in the area as safe as possible.”

He thanked motorists for their co-operation but warned that the new speed limits will be enforced.

He added: "I understand delays cause frustration and we are doing everything we can to minimise the impact.

“Following advice from the community and our traffic consultation team, we have changed some of the signage near Haddocks Wood, and we'll continue to monitor the situation closely."

The diversion at Bridgewater runs between Astmoor and Haddocks Wood where it rejoins the main carriageway.

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

This traffic diversion will be in place for at least the following 18 months.

The westbound carriageway heading towards the Silver Jubilee Bridge on the A558 Daresbury Expressway has also been reduced to one lane.

For more information on ongoing work, visit merseygateway.co.uk/down-your-street/