A £12m project will see major works carried out on the 28-mile stretch of the M56 connecting Manchester with North Wales.
The year-long Highways England project will include replacing the central reservation barrier near Warrington, revitalising a viaduct near Helsby, and resurfacing the motorway near Ellesmere Port.
Work is also due to take place next month to improve drainage on the section of the M56 near Manchester Airport (junctions 6 to 8) ahead of the main construction work on a major upgrade starting this autumn to reduce congestion and increase the motorway’s capacity.
Reduced speed limits and lane closures will be in place on parts of the M56 for the safety of drivers, and road workers are following strict Public Health England safeguarding measures.
Gary Knowles, Highways England’s head of scheme delivery in the north west, said: "The M56 provides an important link between Manchester and Wales, and we need to carry out a series of maintenance improvements to keep drivers safe and support essential journeys across the region.
"The smoother road surface, better drainage and new central reservation barrier will improve safety for drivers, whether they’re travelling to and from work, getting food to supermarkets or delivering medical supplies to hospitals.
"We’re doing everything we can to keep workers safe and would urge drivers to do their bit too by sticking to the speed limit for their own and our road workers’ safety."
Damian Waters, CBI North West Director, said: “With connectivity in and around the North West such a pressing issue, it’s positive to hear about fresh investment to better connect North Wales with Manchester.
"As we know, many businesses in the North West are suffering as a result of the coronavirus crisis, and while this won’t alleviate immediate pain, it will help us to ‘build back better’ once it’s safe to restart the economy again.
“In the longer term, levelling-up our economy and ensuring that the proceeds of growth are felt across all parts of the region depends on improving digital and transport infrastructure.
"This announcement takes a welcome step in that direction.”
A bridge maintenance scheme is also due to start this weekend at a junction on the A55, along the route from the M56 which links Chester to Wrexham in North Wales.
