MOTORISTS are being warned of delays as a multi-million pound road maintenance scheme on the M62 moves to a new section of the motorway.

work on a £10 million package of improvements will move today from Junction 18 at Whitefield to Junction 19 at Middleton.

The eastbound carriageway will be divided into three separate lanes and a contraflow and narrow lanes established on the westbound carriageway.

Highways Agency project manager Graeme Freeman said: "The work is going well so far. We are making good progress with the resurfacing and the disruption to motorists has been kept to a minimum.

"During this next phase of work there is a likely to be greater disruption. Traffic joining the M62 eastbound at Junction 18 will now have to merge into single lane of traffic.

"I advise all motorists to allow extra time for their journeys or consider taking alternative routes.

"Motorists should pay close attention to the new arrangements because they will be unfamiliar. We will ensure that lane restrictions are clearly signed."

Roadside signs will advise of lane restrictions -- once eastbound motorists are in a lane they will be unable to switch. The divided lanes will stay in place for 12 days.

The eastbound entry slip road at Junction 18 and the exit slip road at Junction 19 will be closed from 9.30pm this evening until 5.30am tomorrow, and again the following night so that cones, lane markings and scaffolding can be set up in safety.

Alongside resurfacing 30 lane miles of motorway, the scheme involves strengthening structures, improving lighting and upgrading safety fences and drainage.

Resurfacing of the M66 is taking place between Junctions 2 and 4. More than 130,000 journeys are made on the M62 every day.