MOTORISTS are being warned they face motorway chaos from today on the M61 as work gets underway repairing bridges.

Workmen are beginning a £3.3 million seven-month contract to repaint the bridges and repair some concrete structures between Kearsley and Horwich.

The disruption begins at 8pm tonight when the northbound carriageway of the motorway from junction two will be shut until 6am tomorrow to allow traffic cones to be installed.

Traffic will be diverted via the Kearsley roundabout, along Longcauseway, Albert Road and Plodder Lane to rejoin the motorway at junction four Watergate Lane.

"This phase is due to last until October and some delays are expected, and motorists are urged to allow extra time for their journey," said Highways Agency project manager Steve Bell.

"Reduced speed limits enforced by speed cameras will be in operation through the roadworks."

In coming weeks drivers can expect lane closures northbound on the M60 to M61 link at Linnyshaw Moss and at junction six northbound at the Horwich link north and south bridges.

The southbound carriageway at junctions four to three between Cleggs Lane and Worsley Road bridges will also experience lane closures as will the A666 southbound link to the M60 at Kearsley Moss railway bridge.

Bridges due to undergo repair are at Kearsley Moss and Linnyshaw Moss, Kearsley Moss north and south railway bridges, Worsley Road and Cleggs Lane bridges, St Helen's Road bridge and the Horwich Link north and south bridges.