Costain says it has has reached a “significant milestone” with new lanes on the M6 between junctions 21a and 26 opening for traffic this week.

National Highways is opening an extra lane for drivers on both the northbound and southbound carriageways along all 10 miles of the M6 between junction 21a and junction 26, the Orrell interchange with the M58.

The newly upgraded Warrington to Wigan section will run at a maximum of 50mph - with other interim safety measures in place - until work to calibrate technology, including stopped vehicle detection, is completed.

The upgrade is then expected to fully open, with the 70mph maximum national speed limit, by next spring.

Alongside adding an extra lane in both directions, the upgrade has involved providing extra technology and safety enhancements, including stopped vehicle detection.

This uses radar technology to alert National Highways’ control centre operators who can then close lanes with a red X signal, display modified speed limits and deploy traffic officers. 

Costain has been the on-site partner for the scheme, leading the delivery of improvements on this key strategic route which carries around 120,000 vehicles a day between Lancashire, Merseyside, Cheshire and Greater Manchester.

The scheme, which has already delivered a number of social value benefits and supported local institutions including Cleavley Community Forest Garden, Millbrook Primary School and Ashton Bears Rugby Club, will improve the lives of those in the region by reducing congestion and improving travel times, making journeys more reliable and facilitating economic growth in the North West.