DRIVERS are warned about night closures on the M56 as a £1.5 million scheme to repair Weaver Viaduct nears completion.

The viaduct carries the motorway over the River Weaver and Weaver Navigation between junction 12 and junction 14 of the M56 near Runcorn.

Passengers heading to Liverpool or Manchester airports are advised to allow extra time for their journeys.

The M56 eastbound will be closed on Monday, October 24 and Tuesday, October 25 from 9pm to 5am.

And the westbound carriageway will be shut on Wednesday, October 26 and Thursday, October 27 from 9pm to 5am.

As well as carriageway resurfacing, the wear and tear repairs have included replacing a dozen manhole covers and 24 bridge joints – the mechanisms in the bridge deck which allow it to contract and expand safely during changes in weather conditions.

Work is due to be completed early in November.

Highways England project manager Mark Mosley said: “These repairs have gone well and we’re very pleased with the result. We’re not quite done though.

“It’s vital that people plan their journeys carefully – especially if they are heading to the region’s two main airports on the dates of our final overnight carriageway closures. And please bear in mind that the dates may change if we have serious issues with the weather.”

“The work is taking place overnight to minimise inconvenience to drivers.”

Robin Tudor, head of PR for Liverpool John Lennon Airport said: “Passengers looking to travel to Liverpool John Lennon Airport using the M56 from parts of west Cheshire and North Wales should allow for the additional travel time during these necessary improvement works to the Weaver Viaduct to ensure that they arrive at the Airport in plenty of time for their flight departure.”

Wayne Poole, director of landside operations for Manchester Airport, said: “Whilst the work is scheduled to be carried out overnight it is likely to impact passengers travelling to the airport for our first wave of departures early in the morning.

“We’d advise passengers to check the latest travel advice before they set off and allow additional time to make their journeys.”

When a carriageway is closed drivers diverted from the eastbound M56 at junction 14 can rejoin the motorway at junction 12 via the A5117, A56 and A557.

The same diversion will operate in reverse on the 2 nights when the westbound carriageway is closed.

Drivers are advised to check traffic conditions before setting out on journeys.

Highways England provides live traffic information via its website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps. Information is also available from Twitter via @highwaysNWEST.