£2.74m barrier job starts on M6

Preparatory work to install a new section of concrete safety barrier around Junction 27 of the M6 at Standish will start next week alongside resurfacing and drainage improvements on the hard shoulder.

The project will extend improvements and safety benefits delivered in two schemes between Junction 26 of the motorway at Orrell Interchange and Junction 27 in 2010 when lighting and verge safety barrier improvements were delivered alongside the installation of a concrete central reservation barrier.

Work should be completed by Thursday 23 August and will extend the barrier between White Hill Footbridge and Crow Orchard Road South through Junction 27.

Highways Agency project sponsor Jakub Malaj, said, “Extending the concrete barrier along this section of the M6 will make the motorway even safer for drivers.

"Concrete barriers are stronger and more robust than steel barriers - reducing the risk of vehicles involved in accidents crossing from one side of the motorway to the other and improving the safety of road users and road workers. The barriers are also unlikely to require repairs after vehicle impact.

“Concrete barriers also require less maintenance so this scheme will also provide more reliable journeys for motorways users by reducing the need for lane and carriageway closures for repairs."

The improvements will be delivered in two phases with a month of work strengthening the hard shoulder and modifying the drainage.

The second phase of the project will take place between Friday 15 June and Thursday 23 August and will require around the clock closure of lane three in each direction of the motorway, narrowed lanes, some hard shoulder running and a 50mph speed limit.

The hard shoulder will be used as an additional running lane to ensure three lanes of carriageway will be maintained in each direction.