MOTORWAY-USERS have been warned to brace themselves for some delays as work to refurbish the main bridge at junction 5 of the M40, near Stokenchurch, gets underway this week.

Stokenchurch Bridge, which carries the A40 over the motorway at junction 5, will have important components replaced, be rewaterproofed and the road over the bridge will be resurfaced.

The scheme is due to finish by the end of September. The Highways Agency says that for the safety of road users and road workers, there will be narrow lanes and a temporary 50mph speed limit in place for two miles at Junction 5 throughout the project.

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."

On the A40 across the bridge, traffic will occasionally be restricted to a single lane, with temporary traffic signals in place. Work on the scheme takes place between 8am and 6pm Mondays to Saturdays.