Motorists set for May misery over M6 project (From Warrington Guardian)

Motorists set for May misery over M6 project

WORK to improve junction 17 of the M6 will begin in May - causing chaos for motorists as they are redirected around the commuting hotspot.

The Highways Agency confirmed work to improve safety at the busy junction will take three-and-a-half months to complete.

Traffic lights are being installed and slip roads widened in a bid to ease congestion at the junction as motorists leave the motorway.

The Highways Agency will also carry out bridge repairs during the closures.

Worst affected will be the A534 Wheelock bypass heading westbound which will close during the work with speed restrictions and lengthy detours set to be imposed.

Traffic heading to Crewe will be redirected on the A50, A54 and the A533.

Motorists heading southbound on the M6 will still be able to turn-off at the Sandbach junction to go to Crewe but will have to travel south via Rode Heath.

The number of cars using the junction will be limited, however, in order to meet health and safety requirements as workmen operate in the area.

It is hoped the work will put an end to drivers turning left at the junction then performing dangerous U-turns towards Crewe in a bid to avoid lengthy queues.

Sandbach town councillor Neville Price said: "For some years the Highways Agency has been talking about having traffic lights at the two slip roads at junction 17.

"It nearly happened last year but there was a delay and the money got sent elsewhere.

"I heard concerns from people regarding its safety about seven years ago and there's no doubting it is a very, very dangerous junction, so something has to be done.

"I understand it will cause disruption but when it is finished it will be safer than it was before.

"I hope people will accept this and appreciate what is being done is for the best."