"But if work is required on the slip roads we will need to speak to the Department of Transport to prioritise it and keep major disruption to a minimum."
A spokesman for the Freight Transport Association said it was a strategic route for goods vehicles and the longer route would cost operators more for fuel. He added: "This seems to be discriminatory against goods vehicles."
The viaduct was opened in 1970 and is the main route into the Kingsway (Wallasey) Tunnel used by 53,500 vehicles daily, including 4,500 heavy goods vehicles.
During 1998 and 1999, the viaduct was strengthened to meet legislation introducing 40 tonne vehicles on to the country's roads.
But now more strengthening work is needed.
HGVs had been restricted to the inside lane of the motorway at this point, and now the Highways Agency says it is looking at whether the slip roads will be able to take the lorries' weight.. The agency hopes the diversion will just mean taking them off the motorway, around the roundabout and back on to the slip road at the Kingsway tunnel.
But if strengthening work needs to be carried out heavy goods vehicles will be diverted via the local road network on Wirral.
Highways Agency area manager Roy Wood said: "We realise this may cause some disruption, but this is for the safety of the travelling public and we would ask motorists and residents to bear with us while we seek the most cost-effective solution."
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