DRIVERS face more delays on the M65 from another multi-million pound resurfacing programme aimed at improving the carriageway and reducing noise.

But Darwen householders plagued by the sound of vehicles have been told it could be five years before the motorway close to their homes is relaid.

Highways bosses are resurfacing both carriageways between Clayton-le-Moors and the A56 turn-off for Manchester, and work is expected to last until the end of June.

The Highways Agency says the work is vital to ensure the motorway is safe, but they have warned that delays are inevitable.

The £2.9m resurfacing work is part of a rolling programme to upgrade the surface on the old section of the M65 which is nearing the end of its life. Last year the Highways Agency spent £2.4m renewing the surface between Burnley and Huncoat.

The agency said that as well as improving the road surface, the latest work would also benefit residents living close to the motorway, with a reduction in tyre noise.

"The new surface will cut the amount of noise from the motorway by half," said a spokesman.

The reduction in noise will also benefit wildlife such as barn owls along the M65 corridor.

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