DRIVERS are being warned of long delays as a number of closures on the M6 at junction 19 begin tonight.

From 8pm this evening junction 19, for Knutsford and the A556, will be closed to traffic meaning motorists will not be able to leave or join the motorway.

There will also be no access to or from the A556 at the junction roundabout.

This closure, as well as occasional lane closures on the M6, is in place until 6am tomorrow when the motorway will fully close at junction 19 until 8pm on Saturday.

A direct ‘up and over’ two-lane diversion will be in place during the day with drivers able to leave and re-join the M6 via the roundabout by using the junction exit and entry slip roads.

Again there will be no access to or from the A556 via the junction roundabout.

Finally, from 8pm Saturday until 6am Sunday, the closure of junction 19 will return, again with occasional lane closures on the motorway itself.

Throughout the work, from 8pm Friday to 6am on Sunday, access to the A556 Knutsford to Bowdon bypass from junction 7 of the M56 will also be closed.

The closures are coming in to allow workers to finish pouring the concrete for a new bridge through the roundabout at junction 19.

The new bridge is set to open this summer, providing direct links between the M6 and A556.

A Highways England spokesman said: "The ‘up and over’ diversion at junction 19 worked well last weekend and back in January when the motorway was closed for huge bridge beams to be lifted into place.

"However, with traffic volumes increasing as the pandemic restrictions ease and all retail outlets allowed to reopen on Monday (April 12), Highways England is advising drivers to avoid this section of the M6.

"Longer-distance drivers heading beyond Cheshire should choose alternative motorway routes."