OVERNIGHT roadworks will begin from today that will affect travel for approximately six weeks.

The works, which will enable resurfacing, replacement of road markings and road studs along with other general maintenance will affect sections of the M60 and M66 motorways.

Restrictions are expected to take place overnight between 9pm and 5am in some areas, and 10pm and 5am in others, continuing to 7am on Saturday and Sunday mornings from today until March 31.

The order will ban all traffic for most parts of the M66 between these times, including the northbound and southbound entry and exit slip roads at junctions 1, 2, and 3.

No traffic between the northbound and southbound carriageways, from the last point where the junction 4 exit slip road leaves the carriageway to the first point where the junction 4 entry slip road joins the carriageway, will also be allowed between these times.

The order will impose further 50mph speed restrictions in areas of the M60 and M66, including the M66 northbound entry slip road at junction’s 3 and 4 and the northbound and southbound entry slip roads at junction 2.

The M66 southbound carriageway from the centreline of Bradshaw Hill overbridge will also have a 50mph to the end of the M66.

The M60 clockwise carriageway from the first point where the entry slip road at junction 18 joins the carriageway to a point 200metres south of the first point where the entry slip road at junction 18 joins the carriageway will also have a 50mph speed restriction.

Whilst this work is taking place, the hard shoulder will be used as a running lane on certain sections of the M66, with a 50mph limit in operation.

Highways England say diversions via alternative junctions of the M66, the M66, and lcoal roads will be well signed.