A scheme to improve safety on the River Crake Bridge on the A590 near Greenodd, Cumbria, will start on Monday 5 November.

The project will see a new drainage system installed that will help cut down on the amount of surface water on the road and reduce the risk of accidents.

Contractors appointed by the Highways Agency will also resurface a section of the road as well as replacing one of the expansion joints on the bridge structure.

Highways Agency project manager Peter Hamer said: "We need to carry out several maintenance works on the River Crake Bridge. We aim to carry out the work as quickly and safely as possible.

"We will be working day and night to improve safety and conditions for drivers on the bridge, which is used by 8,500 vehicles a day.

"There will be changes to the drainage system so water runs more quickly off the road. This will minimise the amount of surface water and improve safety in wet weather, as well as extending the life of the bridge."

Work will be carried out 24 hours a day. A 40mph speed limit will be in place, for the safety of road workers and road users, at all times on a 0.5km section of the road either side of the bridge until the work is completed on Friday 9 November.

Several lane closures will take place during the day, between 9.30am and 4pm, but they have been carefully planned to avoid rush hour periods. Night-time closures will also take place between 8pm and 6am with a 10mph speed limit in force and traffic being taken through the works by convoy vehicle.

Disruption to drivers is expected to be minimal but motorists are advised to plan some extra time for journeys.