Months of road misery lies ahead for motorists as 13 weeks of improvements to the A66 are due to start next week.

Highway improvements on the A66 between Cockermouth and Workington, mainly focusing on the Great Clifton roundabout on A66/A595 is set to begin on Monday.

Work is to be done mainly at night, from 8pm until 6am, Monday to Friday, but will involve the closure of the A66 Stainburn bypass.

Temporary traffic lights and a 24-hour speed restriction will be in place and motorists will be diverted via Lillyhall while the bypass is closed.

A Highways England spokesman said: "Three way lights will be used to minimise wait time at the traffic lights.

"This set-up will not affect bus services and should have minimal impact on local residents."

In September and October there is likely to be more work carried out over three weekends, also from 8pm to 6am.

The spokesman said: "Working during the day at the weekend will allow us to complete noisy activities that cannot be undertaken during the night due to the impact on nearby residents and businesses. 

"Leaving the traffic signals in place for a full weekend will also allow us to undertake works that cannot be safely completed in one night including deep excavation work.

"The weekend works will be planned to avoid any significant local events and will be advertised well in advance."

Highways England say they are working alongside Cumbria County Council and United Utilities to ensure that the impact on road users and residents is minimised whilst their works are ongoing.

They said: "When the temporary road closure is in place near Holabie House, Broughton Cross for United Utilities to complete pipe connection works, works at A66/A595 Great Clifton will be carried out at night time only."

Pedestrian access and access for emergency vehicles will be allowed during the work.

Further information is available from Highways England customer contact centre by e-mail info@highwaysengland.co.uk or by phone on 0300 123 5000.