PLANS have been announced to carry out multi-million pound works along more than 18 miles of the M6 between Crewe and Knutsford to upgrade the stretch to a four-lane smart motorway.


Draft regulations published on Monday, June 29, show that the work is set to be carried out later this year between October and December, and variable mandatory speed limits will be introduced during construction.


The construction work will cost between £192m and £274m.


The hard shoulder will be converted into a permanent extra running lane and smart motorway technology installed to give drivers more reliable journeys. Variable mandatory speed limits will be used to manage traffic speeds and help reduce congestion, whilst enabling safe operation of the motorway.


A spokesman for Highways England said: “This vital upgrade to this often-congested section of the M6 will see an extra lane added in each direction plus the use of smart motorway technology to give drivers smoother, more reliable journeys.


“We’ll be working hard to minimise any disruption during the construction phase including keeping drivers informed.”


The new draft regulations for introducing the variable mandatory speed limits have now been published for comment and can be found at highways.gov.uk/roads/road-projects/m6-junctions-16-19-smart-motorway/.


The consultation period will close on Sunday, August 9.


A public information exhibition will also be held at Middlewich Town Hall on Wednesday, July 25 from 9.30am to 4pm.


The exhibition will provide more information about the scheme, timescales and works involved. It is also an opportunity to express any views on the project.


For more information about the improvements visit the webpage stated above or call Highways England’s customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.