Delays expected during motorway waterproofing work

The northbound bridge will be the first one to be waterproofed

Drivers have been warned to expect delays on the M1 while work is carried out to waterproof bridges.

The project will get under way at junction 18 near Crick, Northamptonshire, on 21 June.

National Highways said road closures would take place at weekends "to minimise disruption".

Diversions will be put in place.

National Highways said the work on the two bridges at junction 18 is being done to prevent water leaking from the motorway onto the bridge decks.

The agency added that leaks could damage the road surface below or the steel reinforcement on the bridges.

Workers will plane off the existing road surface, remove and replace the waterproofing system and then resurface the carriageways.

The junction serves the busy Daventry International Railfreight Terminal, as well as nearby towns and villages.

The M1 southbound at junction 18 will be closed for two weekends while the bridge is waterproofed

National Highways said weekend closures were planned to limit disruption and enable the work to be carried out in the shortest possible time.

The northbound carriageway will be closed from 20:00 BST on Friday 21 June until 06:00 BST on Monday 24 June and at the same times the following weekend.

Work will then move to the opposite side of the road with the southbound carriageway closed from 20:00 BST on Friday 19 July until 06:00 BST on Monday 22 July and at the same times the following weekend.

Traffic will follow a short diversion up and over the junction using the exit and entry slip roads, but delays are still expected so road users are being advised to allow extra time for their journeys or seek alternative routes.