Before work starts on the major strengthening of the M53 Bidston Moss viaduct, detailed surveying will be carried out on the motorway and one of the slip roads in November.

To allow the survey work to be completed safely, the M53 northbound will be closed from 10pm, on Tuesday, November 3, until 5am Wednesday, November 4, northbound between Junction 1 to the Mersey Tunnels approach road.

The following night the entry slip road onto the M53 southbound will be closed from the Docks link road from 8pm, Wednesday, November 4, until 5am, Thursday, November 5.

Northbound traffic will be diverted via Junction 1, the A554 roundabout and the A5139 Docks link north.

Strengthening work is expected to start in spring 2010 and be completed in early 2012.

Graham Dakin, Highways Agency project manager, said: “The survey work is essential for the planning of the major strengthening scheme. The closures will ensure the safety of road users and provide a safe working area for the surveyors."