Motorway closures for roadworks across the UK will be postponed ahead of the state funeral of Her Majesty the Queen, it was confirmed today. Hundreds of thousands of mourners are expected to descend on London from Wednesday up until the funeral next Monday, a Bank Holiday.
Announcing the move, National Highways said the planned closure of the southbound M6 - between junctions 33 and 32 north of Preston - will be among the roadworks postponed this weekend. It comes after the closures for the same stretch of motorway last weekend caused traffic chaos, with huge delays and drivers claiming they were forced to 'ration water' after being stuck in queues stretching up to nine hours long.
Highways bosses said planned closures of 'major routes' in and out of London will also be postponed to reduce congestion as large numbers of people travel to the capital for ceremonial and commemorative events to mark the Queen's passing.
All closures for roadworks on motorways in and out of London will be paused from the start of this week until after the funeral. They include planned closures on motorways including the M25, M11, M3, M4, and M23.
"Additionally, all other closures on the motorway network nationally will be postponed for the duration of the extended bank holiday weekend," said National Highways. "Existing roadworks will also be removed where possible, with cones and temporary signals withdrawn from 6am on Friday 16 September and not put back in place until Tuesday, September 20.
"A planned closure of the southbound M6 between junctions 33 and 32 north of Preston will be among the roadworks postponed this weekend."
John McNeill, National Highways Head of Service delivery, East of England, said: "We expect the roads to be busy with people looking to travel into the capital and to other royal residences over the weekend. Our traffic officer patrols will be out on the network to help anyone who might get into difficulty, but it’s important people remember to check their vehicle before setting off.
"The last thing anybody wants on the way to their destination is to have a vehicle breakdown. That's why it's really important that people spend a few minutes checking the condition of their tyres before setting off."
The postponement of roadwork closures – both through the week and over the Bank Holiday weekend – will specifically apply to motorways, added National Highways.
Works on A-roads would be assessed on a 'case-by-case basis depending on their impact', added a statement released on Tuesday. Exact details are said to be being finalised.
National Highways urged drivers to carry out simple checks to make sure their vehicles are roadworthy, including checking tyre pressures, engine oil and water levels and fuel, as well as planning routes in advance.
The Queen's coffin will be moved from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Hall tomorrow - Wednesday - where Her Majesty will lie in state for four days. Monday's funeral will begin at 11am.
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