Drivers will face delays on the A66 from later this week as work begins to replace a damaged bridge - more than five years after it was damaged in a crash.

The parapet on the westbound side of the bridge at Stoneybeck, near Broughton Cross in West Cumbria, was damaged in a crash on March 1, 2014.

Since then a concrete barrier and cones have been in place alongside the parapet to protect it from further damage.

Highways England announced plans last August to repair the structure.

Now it has announced that work will begin this weekend, and the adjoining safety fence will also be replaced.

The news comes a week after calls were made for more investment on the busy West Cumbrian route.

RELATED: Calls for more investment on A66 in West Cumbria

The A66 is set to be closed overnight from 8pm on Saturday, March 23 to 6am on Sunday, March 24 for preparatory work.

The repair work will begin on Sunday, with temporary traffic lights in place around the clock.

A further overnight closure is planned on Wednesday, April 17 to remove the traffic lights.

During the closures, diversions will be in place between Melbreak roundabout at Great Clifton and the Fitz roundabout at Cockermouth.