A bridge on the M56 is to get a weekend makeover.

The project to resurface and waterproof the bridge at the busy junction of the M56 and the M53 is due to take place this weekend.

Highways England says it needs to close a four-mile stretch of the westbound M56, where it crosses the M53, to carry out the work. The closure will run from 10pm on Friday, July 24 until 10am on Sunday, July 26.

Drivers will be able to follow clearly-signed diversion routes. The eastbound carriageway will remain open as normal.

Engineers say contractors need to waterproof, resurface and replace joints on the 65m long bridge, equivalent to the length of six double decker buses.

Mark Mosley, project manager at Highways England, said: “We carried out this work to the two other bridges at the junction last year so this weekend’s closure will complete the project. The resurfacing and waterproofing is vital maintenance work which will ensure the bridge can be safely used for many years to come.

“We’re carrying out the work at the weekend when the motorway is quieter and drivers will be able to follow clearly-signed diversion routes.”

The westbound carriageway between junction 15 at the interchange with the M53 and junction 16 for Chester will be closed for 36 hours. The westbound side of the motorway will also be closed from junction 14 at Stanlow to junction 16 from 10pm until midnight on Friday and from 8am until 10am on Sunday while contractors set up and remove the barriers for the closures.