M6 smart motorway work to be completed within weeks
Project between M69 junction and Coleshill has take two years CONGESTION-BUSTING PROJECT
THE M6 congestion-busting ‘smart motorway’ works between the M69 junction and Coleshill are due to finish within weeks.
According to Warwickshire County Council’s roadworks website the multi-milion pound works are due to be completed on Friday, March 20.
Roadworks and speed restrictions have been ongoing since March 2018 on the busy 14-mile stretch of the M6 between junctions 2 (A46 Coventry) and 4 (M42 (S)/A46).
But the end is now in sight.
On Thursday (March 5) the 50mph speed limit across the stretch of road was lifted to 60mph.
Highways England has confirmed that the 50mph speed restrictions have been lifted so that new technology can be tested. With just a matter of weeks to go until the planned completion date, motorists can look forward to being able to travel along the stretch of motorway more easily. While the works are planned to be completed by March 20, it is not clear whether the actual Smart Motorway technology itself will go live.
The government is undertaking a safety review into all smart motorways. As a result, no new smart motorways will be opened until a safety review is done.
This review not yet complete. is
At the last time of asking, Highways England spokesperson said: “We are continuing to carry out work on smart motorways.
“We look forward to the imminent publication of the DfT’s stocktake and stand ready to implement its recommendations.”
Once finished, the new-look stretch of the M6 will feature:
■ Three controlled motorway lanes, retaining the hard shoulder from J3a to J4 where the motorway will tie into the existing controlled motorway.
■ A four-lane smart motorway between J2 to J3a with a hard shoulder next to the current ‘climbing lane’ travelling eastbound.
■ Installation of new electronic information signs and signals, radar detection and CCTV cameras - these will be used to vary speed limits which allow management of traffic flow and incidents.