RELIEF is on the way for motorists as roadworks to the concrete barrier on the M6 are nearly finished.

But overnight closures between junctions 18 for Holmes Chapel and junction 17 for Sandbach will be in place on the southbound carriageway on Friday and the northbound carriageway on Saturday between 10pm and 8am with a diversion signposted.

The last four-tonne concrete blocks are being lifted into place as part of the new 20-mile long wall between junction 16 for Crewe and junction 19 for Knutsford.

It is just one part of the £274 million project, which will also add an extra lane to the motorway in each direction, easing congestion for the 118,000 drivers who use the stretch every day.

Variable speed limits, 258 electronic signs and 70 CCTV cameras to cover every inch of the road will also be installed by the time the scheme is completed.

Mike Bull, Highways England’s senior smart motorway manager for the north, said: “The smart motorway upgrade on the M6 is one of the biggest construction projects currently taking place in the north, and I’m pleased we’re now reaching a major milestone with the new safety barrier.

“When the smart motorway goes live, the 118,000 drivers who use the route every day will benefit from an extra lane in each direction – increasing capacity by a third.

“We’ll also be introducing variable speed limits to keep traffic moving at a steady speed and tackle the stop/start conditions and tailbacks caused by sudden braking.

“We are doing everything we can to minimise disruption while the work takes place, keeping the same number of lanes open in each direction during the day, and will only close parts of the motorway overnight when traffic levels are much lower.”

The new safety barrier will hopefully stop vehicles crossing onto the opposite carriageway in the event of an accident.

The smart motorway scheme is due to be completed at the end of March 2019 and for more details visit highways.gov.uk/M6j16-19smart.