MOTORISTS returning to work following the Christmas break have been advised to allow extra time for journeys on the M62 when a £10m improvement scheme enters a new phase on Monday.

For the first time, a contraflow will be established on the eastbound carriageway between Junction 19 (Middleton) and Junction 20 (Thornham) as resurfacing work starts on westbound lanes.

Three narrow lanes will be open in each direction.

Sophisticated traffic cameras will enforce a 50mph speed limit.

Graeme Freeman, Highways Agency project manager, said: "There will be a lot of people going back to work on Monday following the Christmas break. We advise motorists using the M62 around Middleton to leave extra time for their journeys, especially on Monday morning."

He added: "The work is going well so far and we are on schedule to complete the scheme in the spring."

The contraflow will be switched to the westbound carriageway in late January as resurfacing starts on eastbound lanes.

As well as resurfacing work, improvements are being carried out to lighting columns, safety fences and drainage.

Resurfacing of the M66 will also be completed by March 2003.

An estimated 130,000 vehicles travel along the M62 motorway every day of the week.