DRIVERS using the M67 motorway are being warned to expect months of overnight works and occasional lane closures as a major safety upgrade gets under way.
It will focus on the stretch between junction 1 at Denton Island and junction 1A near Ashton Road – a busy gateway route linking Tameside to Manchester and the wider motorway network.
Running from February 13 until the end of August, the work centres on replacing ageing steel safety barriers in the central reservation and verges with new concrete ones, designed to be more durable and offer greater protection in collisions.
Temporary barriers will also be installed while the work takes place.
National Highways says the activity is mainly scheduled for weekday nights between 9pm and 6am, when traffic levels are lower.
However, some daytime and weekend work is also planned, meaning drivers could see roadworks in place at a range of times.
Two lanes in each direction are expected to remain open for the majority of the project, though there will be occasional overnight lane closures, particularly when materials are delivered.
Full closures are expected to be limited, but signed diversions will be in place when they are needed.
The traffic management zone will cover the motorway between junction 1 and a point just east of junction 1A near the Edward Street overbridge.
For commuters and residents nearby, disruption is likely to be most noticeable at night, with some noise described as unavoidable during certain phases of the work.
Motorists are being advised to plan journeys in advance and allow extra time, particularly for late evening or early morning trips.