MAJOR roadworks will cause overnight closures on a key stretch of East Lancashire’s main motorway until well into the New Year.

The resurfacing will start on the M65 on or after October 18, between junction 8, Hapton and junction 10, Burnley.

The work will last for 17 weeks.

It will lead to complete closures of slip roads and of one carriageway at a time and could also affect junctions 7 and 11.

In total, 25 miles of the motorway will be involved.

Rob Williams, National Highways programme delivery manager for the North West, has written to local councillors.

His letter says: “This is to inform you of work to resurface the M65 between junctions 8 and 10.

“In total, we plan to resurface over 40 kilometres of carriageway.

“The work will take place on both sides of the carriageway and will include the replacement of road markings, bridge joints and traffic detection cables. The purpose of our work is to ensure we keep the network safe and operational, as well as improving journeys for our customers.

“Work is due to start on or shortly after October 18 for around 17 weeks. This will take place Monday to Friday between the hours of 8pm and 5am (extended to 7am during the weekend).

“For safety, overnight full carriageway closures are required on the M65 between junctions 8 and 10.

“These will be in place in many phases, and only one side of the carriageway will be closed at a time.

“Occasionally, we will need some closures at junction 7 and 11 to tie in the surfacing work.

“Associated slip road closures are also required, and to ensure journeys are maintained localised signed diversion routes will be in place.

“Whilst we always aim to work to our schedule, unforeseen circumstances such as severe weather conditions may mean slight changes occur at short notice. Every effort will be made to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.

“However, these works will inevitably generate some noise and disruption and we’d like to apologise in advance for any disturbance.”

Cllr Peter Britcliffe, who represents Oswaldtwistle on Lancashire County Council and the town’s St Andrews ward on Hyndburn Borough Council, said: “These works are inconvenient but necessary. I hope they are finished on schedule.”