A MAJOR motorway slip road will be closed for maintenance work and drivers not planning their route in advance could face an 18-mile diversion.

The westbound exit road from the M62 at junction 24 at Ainley Top will be closed at night while road signs are repaired.

The road will be closed between 8pm and 6am for three weeks from March 1.

The Highways Agency say westbound drivers wishing to get off the motorway at Ainley Top must carry on to the Junction 22 at Rishworth Moor, change carriageways and return eastbound to Ainley Top – a diversion of 18 miles. There is no westbound exit at junction 23 at Outlane.

However, drivers planning ahead might, more sensibly, turn off the motorway early at junction 25 at Clifton, near Brighouse, to reach their destination.

For more information call Daniel Edwards at the Highways Agency on 0113 283 6446 or mail daniel.edwards@highways.gsi.gov.uk