QUEUES of traffic through the town centre this morning started as early as 7am as roadworks on the M6 cause traffic chaos for residents for the third day in a row.

A Highways England spokesman confirmed extensive damage was caused to a safety barrier on the sliproad to the M56 near junction 20 following a collision on Thursday last week. 

It meant one lane of the motorway has been closed for around one to two miles near Lymm while emergency work takes place to repair the barrier. 

The spokesman added: "The barrier on the outside lane was damaged and a 75 to 80ft section has to be replaced. 

"We needed a specialist manufacturer to do the work which would normally take six weeks but we have been told the part is now being finished and we're waiting to install it. 

"We're hoping to complete the work before the Monday morning rush hour and it will probably mean overnight closures this weekend while the installation work takes place.

"We would like to thank drivers for their patience and would encourage drivers to get into the correct lane as soon as possible on the M6."

A joint spokesman for the council and Peel Ports has also clarified an earlier statement regarding tolls. 

He added: “In a bid to help to ease congestion caused by M6 emergency roadworks, Peel Ports have suspended the Warburton Bridge tolls during peak times this week, between 7.30 to 9.30am and 4.30-7.30pm.

“Tolls will still be collected during off peak times 9.30-4.30. Traffic on the bridge is being monitored and off-peak toll charges will be reviewed if traffic queues became severe.

“Residents are advised to check travel information, find alternative routes where possible and take care.”