A MAJOR roadworks scheme on the M62 at Ainley Top will start after Easter.

The Highways Agency will begin work to upgrade the motorways gantry over the motorway at Junction 24 on Wednesday, April 7.

The work is necessary to improve the safety of workers accessing the gantry for maintenance needs.

The work will mean overnight closures of the westbound exit slip road at Junction 24 and there will also be various lane closures on the westbound carriageway.

Work will take place Monday to Friday between 9pm and 6am, when traffic flows are lower, to minimise problems. The work will be completed on Friday, April 16.

Some traffic will be diverted via Junction 22 (Rishworth Moor) as there is no exit slip road westbound at Junction 23 (Outlane). Drivers will exit the M62 at Junction 22 turn left at the bottom of the slip road onto A672 follow the road for 250 metres and then rejoin the M62 via the eastbound entry slip road.

They can also leave the motorway at Junction 25 (Clifton).

Highways Agency project manager, Tim Calvert, said: “This work is necessary to improve safety for workers accessing the gantry for maintenance needs.

“We are aware that there is a long diversion route for these works. This diversion route has been chosen as it is suitable for all motorway traffic.

“We advise road users to plan their journeys on the nights of the closures, as drivers may choose to exit the M62 prior to the closure rather than follow the diversion route.”