DITTON flyover will be permanently closed from Easter Monday, it has been confirmed today.

The busy commuter route which links the Runcorn and Widnes bridge to Speke Road is being bulldozed to make way for the Mersey Gateway.

Motorists are warned to expect major disruption and delays from 7.30pm on Monday, March 28.

Traffic travelling along the A533 Queensway in both directions will be diverted through Ditton roundabout until the new crossing opens in autumn 2017.

Hugh O’Connor, general manager for Merseylink, said: “This is essential work for the Mersey Gateway project in the Ditton area and is another important step towards the completion of this vital bridge and roads project.

“Our construction teams, Halton Council and the police are working closely together to let people and commuters know about the closure.

“Decisions to close roads are not taken lightly and we do understand that this closure is going to disrupt motorists’ journeys.”

The work has been held back to the latest possible point in the construction programme to minimise its likely impact.

There are a significant number of utilities – such as gas and wastewater pipes - that need to be diverted around the junction and these can't be moved until the existing road layouts are removed and space created for the new ones.

There will be traffic lights in place at Ditton roundabout to ensure that vehicles are able to join it from side roads like Ditton Road west.

The road surface on the roundabout is being improved ahead of the diversion, which will mean weekend closures of sections of the roundabout with diversions in place.

Traffic will be able to access the Silver Jubilee Bridge at all times throughout the work but delays and disruption are expected in the area, particularly at peak times.

Lower House Lane will re-open on Easter Monday just before the Ditton flyover is closed.

A section of Ashley Way will close for several months to complete the new four way signalised junction planned to replace the existing Ditton and Moor Lane roundabouts.

Demolition of the two bridges over Ditton roundabout will take place in April.

When the new bridge is open traffic will be able to travel uninterrupted between Speke Road and the new Mersey Gateway bridge on a dual carriageway.

The tolling system that will be used on the new bridge will mean traffic will be able to travel through the area at an estimated average speed of 40mph.

Once the new bridge is open, the Silver Jubilee bridge will be remodelled as a local bridge that will have vastly improved pedestrian and cycle links, but will retain one lane of traffic in each direction.