THE bridge over the M40 in Stokenchurch will be refurbished, starting next Monday.

The improvement work will be carried out at the Stokenchurch Bridge which carries Ibstone Road over the motorway at junction 5.

It will be repaired, bridge bearings will be replaced and the whole structure will be re-waterproofed and resurfaced.

The 20-week scheme is due to start on 14 April and for it to be carried out safely for road users and roadworkers, narrow lanes and a temporary 50mph speed limit will be in place two miles either side of Junction 5 between Christmas Common Cutting and Hedgepit Lane bridge.

Michael Freeman, Highways Agency project manager, said: "This important remedial work is essential to maintain the long-term safety of the bridge. Renewing the waterproofing will reduce the need for future emergency maintenance and the disruption that causes.

"We have planned the work very carefully and have made every effort to keep disruption to a minimum; we do advise drivers to plan ahead and allow a little extra time for their journeys."

Work on the scheme will take place between 8am and 6pm Mondays to Saturdays.

Where necessary traffic will be restricted to a single lane, with temporary traffic signals, on the A40 above the Stokenchurch Bridge.