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, says the BBC.

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, external, as well as nearby towns and villages.

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