MOTORISTS are being reminded that a project to refurbish three historic railway bridges in Manchester city centre will cause delays this weekend.

The three Grade-II listed structures over Great Ducie Street and Victoria Street, to the west of Manchester Victoria station, are being repaired, cleaned and painted as part of the Great North Rail Project.

The work will have an impact on road traffic through the area over the coming months, but trains will not be affected.

Scaffolding has been installed beneath and around the bridges, and Victoria Street will be fully closed to road traffic from 2am from Friday until February 27.

In addition, Mirabel Street has been closed at the Victoria Street junction until the end of June 2019 and a further full closure of Victoria Street is needed from May 3 to May 20.

Sarah Padmore, scheme project manager for Network Rail, said: “As part of the Great North Rail Project, we are carrying out vital repair work to three bridge structures which support the railway on the western side of Manchester Victoria station.

“I’d like to apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank local people and road users in advance for their patience while we deliver this essential work.”

The bridges will first blasted with grit in order to expose the metal structures.

This will allow engineers to carry out vital repairs to the bridges, ensuring they are safe and up-to-date, before repainting them to their Victorian splendour.

Passengers are advised to plan and check their journeys at www.nationalrail.co.uk.