Improvement work is to commence on the M6 next week, it has been announced.

The project will focus on Junction 17 of the M6, at Sandbach.

The £2.3m scheme will address current problems at the junction, reducing congestion and allowing for faster journey times.

Improvement works will include:



• Constructing a new roundabout at the top of the northbound off slip road

• Providing a free flow link from the A534 to the M6 northbound

• Installing new traffic signals on the southbound off slip road

• Providing a designated left turn on to the M6 southbound slip road

• Installing new lighting, and improving drainage, surfacing, road markings and signing.



The work will start on Monday (3 November), and work will take place between 8pm and 5am each night during the week, or until 7am at weekends.


The work begins on Monday (3 November) with overnight working between 8pm and 5am each night during the week or until 7am at weekends. Some work will also need to take place during the day, but it has been said that this will not affect motorists.

The overnight work will involve closures which will affect slip roads, and the A534 between Holmes Chapel Road and Congleton Road. There may also be occasional overnight lane closures on the M6 with hard shoulder running while parapet work is taking place. In addition, a temporary speed limit of 40mph will be enforced on the A534 local road.

Work is expected to be completed on the project by March 2015.

Jakub Malaj, Highways Agency Project Manager, said: "This is a major scheme which is designed to have a significant long-term benefit for both the local and regional economy. It will address existing problems with queuing times and reduce congestion at busy periods.

"There will inevitably be some disruption while this work takes place but we're doing everything we can to keep this to a minimum.

"Construction has been planned to avoid rush hours, and any closures will be taking place overnight when traffic flows are very light. Clearly signed diversions will be in place.

"We ask drivers to be patient while work is underway, and to observe the speed limits and diversions for the safety of our road workers."

(JP/MH)