Main construction to start this month on M6 smart motorway

Main construction starts later this month on a major scheme to improve journeys for drivers using the M6 in Cheshire.

Highways England is upgrading a 20 mile stretch of the route between junctions 16 near Crewe and 19 near Knutsford to a smart motorway.

Work will start on 26 February on the first section of the scheme, an eight-mile stretch between Knutsford and Middlewich near junction 18. Work will continue in similar phases to minimise disruption though narrow lanes and a temporary 50mph speed limit will be installed. 

In addition to smart motorway work, crews will also undertake maintenance work on bridges and structures along the route.

Highways England Project manager Kate Beirne said: “This scheme will bring real benefits to drivers travelling in Cheshire and to the wider economy – it will ease congestion and help keep traffic moving, making journeys more reliable. We have carefully planned the work to minimise disruption and to ensure that as far as possible we can keep three lanes open to traffic while we carry out the work.”