Roadworks on the M6 are being extended as a multi-million pound project to improve the motorway enters its next stage.
Since February, roadworks have been in place between junction 23 at Newton-le-Willows and junction 26 at Orrell Interchange with the M58.
The construction zone will soon extend to junction 21a at Croft interchange with the M62.
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National Highways project manager Dave Cooke said: "This is an important new phase of the project as we get into our stride in construction terms and deliver this vital improvement to provide safer, smoother and more reliable journeys for the 120,000 commuters, commercial drivers and other motorists who use the M6 through this part of the region every day.
"In planning this project over several years, we’ve worked hard to ensure that all lanes of the motorway are kept open during the day. The 50mph speed limit we currently have in place between junction 23 and junction 26 will be extended to junction 21a from the end of the month but will only add about 90 seconds to people’s journeys.”
The closures that will be in place are:
- Tonight, Thursday 23 September - M6 northbound junctions 22 to 23
- Tomorrow, Friday 24 September - M6 southbound junctions 22 to 21a
- Monday 27 September - M6 northbound junction 21a to junction 22
Signed diversion routes will be in place for each closure.
The works are set to be completed by spring 2023.
As well as converting the hard shoulders to provide four traffic lanes in each direction, National Highways will also be installing new radar detectors positioned along the motorway which will automatically detect any stationary vehicles.
A total of 92 electronic signs will be used to set variable speed limits to prevent stop-start conditions, and close lanes by displaying red Xs during incidents.
In addition, 39 new CCTV cameras will provide live images of the motorway 24 hours a day at National Highway’s regional operations centre.
The metal barrier in the central reservation is also being replaced - with a new concrete barrier to help increase safety and reduce maintenance. Drivers will also be able to use one of ten new emergency areas as a place to stop if they experience a breakdown, with roadside telephones providing a direct link to the regional operations centre.
