The Highways Agency will start work today on a £7.8 million scheme to resurface almost two miles of the southbound carriageway of the M6 motorway between junctions 6 (Gravely Hill) and junction 5 (Castle Bromwich), by the Fort Shopping Centre.

The 11 week long scheme is essential to replace the existing road surface and bridge joints to avoid the need for unplanned emergency repairs in the future.

Over 57,000 vehicles travel on this section of the motorway every day - making it one of the busiest carriageways in the country.

Roadworkers will be on site 24 hours per day, seven days a week. This is to complete the work as quickly and safely as possible, while limiting delays to road users.


Throughout the day a contra-flow system will be in operation making three narrow lanes available in each direction. At night the southbound carriageway will be closed with vehicles using lane 3 of the northbound carriageway.

There will be some overnight closures of the carriageway prior to the scheme starting to install traffic management. Diversion routes will be clearly signposted.

A temporary 50mph mandatory speed will be enforced with average speed safety cameras for the duration of the work for the safety of motorists and road workers.

Sarah Churchill, the Highways Agency project sponsor, said: "We will remove the existing road surface and then cover it with a new lower noise surface and replace worn out bridge joints.

"This work is essential to ensure the safety of motorists using this stretch of the M6 and avoid the need for unplanned and untimely emergency repairs in months to come."

Drivers are advised to allow extra time for their journeys while this work is carried out as slight delays may occur. They are also asked to take care when driving through the works both for their own safety and that of the workforce.

(JM)