VITAL repair work will be carried out on the westbound M62 this weekend to improve safety for the thousands of drivers who use the trans-Pennine route every day.

Gildersome East bridge at junction 27 needs to be waterproofed to maintain the structure and prevent it from deteriorating.

This is the second and final phase of the work, following the successful first stage in August.

To carry out the work safely, the M62 westbound will be closed overnight between junctions 27 and 28 until Monday, September 23. During the daytime two of the four lanes will be open with a 50mph speed limit, while the other two will be closed.

Highways England project manager Russell McLean said: “Doing this work overnight and at the weekend reduces the disruption to drivers and removes the need to shut the road for longer in future.”