DRIVERS heading for the M54 this weekend are set to face major diversions while sections of the motorway are shut for surface repairs.

Engineers have uncovered cracks in the surface of the road between junctions two and three on the eastbound side where the hard shoulder and lane one are already closed.

From 8pm tonight (November 27) lane two will close while the first phase of emergency repairs is carried out, lane two is expected to reopen at noon on Saturday (November 28) but close again at 8pm that evening.

Highways Agency chiefs expect to reopen the motorway at noon on Sunday November 29 however bad weather may cause that deadline to be missed.

A diversion route from junction three will be in place drivers should follow the solid black square symbol.

Drivers advised to leave the M54 eastbound at junction three, taking the A41 northbound to the junction with the A5 near Burlington. Then taking the A5 eastbound to the Gailey roundabout where drivers can then take the A449 southbound to re-join the M54 at junction two.

Drivers who arrive at the Gailey roundabout (A5/A449) junction intending to take the M6 northbound may continue eastbound on the A5 which will route to the M6 junction 12 near Cannock.

The diversion for tonight's eastbound closure is via the A41 northbound, the A5 eastbound towards Weston-under-Lizard, and the Stafford Road southbound towards the M54 to rejoin at junction two.

A Highways Agency spokesman said the damaged section of the road was already shut and the total closure of the motorway was to enable repairs to be carried out efficiently.