MOTORISTS are being warned to slow down as £800,000 worth of bridge maintenance work begins on the motorway at Westhoughton.
The repairs start tomorrow and will see the speed limit drop to 50mph between junctions 5 and 6 on the M61 because there will be hard shoulder closures and narrow lanes in operation
Police will be enforcing the new limits.
Work on the parapets of the Wingates Bridge is expected to be completed within five weeks.
Highways Agency project manager Steve Bell said: "This work is necessary to keep the bridge in good condition, but should not cause any delays.
"The 50mph speed limit is for the safety of both road users and the workforce, and will be enforced by the police."
The bridge maintenance contract has been awarded to A E Yates of Lostock.
The Highways Agency reminds road users that accidents, particularly nose-to-tail collisions, are more likely to occur near roadworks.
Drivers should take extra care, stay well behind the vehicle in front, observe all signs and allow extra time for their journeys.
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