CONTRACTORS will close a stretch of the M65 for almost 12 hours at the weekend when they carry out work to link the motorway to its new extension.

The motorway will shut between junction six at Whitebirk and junction seven at Accrington between 9pm on Saturday and 7am on Sunday.

It is being closed to transfer the current contraflow system on to the new westbound exit sliproad at Whiteburk, which will be used by the extension when it opens later this year.

Highways Agency project manager John Sherwood said: "This marks a significant stage in the construction of the new motorway.

Once traffic has been moved on to the new sliproad we will be able to start the work necessary to complete the links between the existing M65 and the new motorway.

"When we are planning this type of work the safety of our customers and the workforce has to be our main priority and, by doing it overnight, we hope to keep inconvenience to a minimum."

Workmen will also demolish the remaining half of the farm bridge over the motorway, which has now been replaced.

A diversion, via the A678 and Dunkenhalgh Way, will be signposted.

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