Costain has achieved a major milestone with new lanes on the M6 between junctions 21a and 26 now open to traffic.

National Highways has added an extra lane in both directions across the ten-mile stretch of the M6, from junction 21a to the Orrell interchange at junction 26 with the M58, to improve traffic flow.

The newly upgraded Warrington to Wigan section will run at a maximum of 50mph - with other interim safety measures in place - until work to calibrate technology, including stopped vehicle detection, is completed. The upgrade is then expected to fully open, with the 70mph maximum national speed limit, by next spring.


Alongside adding an extra lane in both directions, the upgrade has involved providing extra technology and safety enhancements, including stopped vehicle detection. This uses radar technology to alert National Highways’ control centre operators who can then close lanes with a red X signal, display modified speed limits and deploy traffic officers. 

Costain has been the on-site partner for the scheme, leading the delivery of improvements on this key strategic route which carries around 120,000 vehicles a day between Lancashire, Merseyside, Cheshire and Greater Manchester. The scheme, which has already delivered a number of social value benefits and supported local institutions including Cleavley Community Forest Garden, Millbrook Primary School and Ashton Bears Rugby Club, will improve the lives of those in the region by reducing congestion and improving travel times, making journeys more reliable and facilitating economic growth in the North West.