A SECTION of the M65 has re-opened after engineers carried out emergency bridge repairs.

The westbound carriageway between junction five at Guide and junction four at Darwen was shut at 8.30pm last night.

It re-opened at around 11.30pm.

Highways England said the closure was in place to repair a failed expansion joint on the bridge.

It is the same fault that closed the M65 earlier this year in May and July, leading to significant disruption for motorists.

Works led to traffic being at a complete standstill from Blackburn towards Preston.

The bridge carries the motorway over Lower Eccles Hill Road.

A Highways England spokesman said: “The westbound carriageway between junction five at Guide and junction four at Darwen was closed between 8.30pm and 11.30pm.

“This was to carry out repairs to the expansion joint on the bridge which helps the bridge to expand and contract."

Diversions were put into place for motorists at Blackamoor Road, Stopes Brow, Fore Street, Branch Road, A666 Bolton Road, A666 Blackburn Road and Earcroft Way.

The spokesman added: “Motorists could then rejoin the M65 at junction four at Darwen.

“The works had a fairly minimal impact adding less than ten minutes onto journey times.

“The works were all done within three hours.”