The long-running roadworks to convert a busy stretch of the M56 near Manchester Airport into a smart motorway are "virtually complete", according to bosses. The road scheme has seen major disruption to motorists from Junction 6 at Hale Barns to Junction 7/8 at the Bowdon interchange for the past two years with overnight closures and diversions.
The scheme was due to be complete by the end of November 2022. But as we reported at the time, bossed blamed "poor weather" for delays that meant the works have stretched into 2023.
Regular users of the route will have seen that in recent weeks three of the four lanes that will ultimately be used along the route have returned to normal width. The fourth lane remains cordoned off.
Works and some overnight closures are due to continue until at least March 6, according to the weekly M56 roadworks schedule. But bosses have now issued an update to say that the construction work is "virtually complete".
It means the full reopening as a smart motorway is finally in sight - although it comes with the caveat that it could still be some time until the national speed limit of 70mph is returned. In a statement to the MEN, highways bosses say the new system will need to be tested before the "upgrade will be fully open to traffic".
A spokesman for National Highways told the MEN: "Our construction work on upgrading the M56 is virtually complete and we expect to start opening it to traffic very soon. First, we will make the new lanes available for drivers but keep a 60mph speed limit place while final systems, like stopped vehicle detection technology, undergo final commissioning work.
"This can only be done when the road is in its final layout and traffic is 60mph or above. Safety features from the roadworks, like extra CCTV and a free recovery service will remain in place during this time.
"Then, when these systems have been commissioned to our stringent requirements, we will restore the 70mph limit and the upgrade will be fully open to traffic. We will announce both of these milestones as soon as we are able.
"In the meantime we would like to thank drivers for their patience, and for driving safely through the roadworks, and reassure them that the upgrade is very nearly complete."
Motorists using the M56 westbound this week are warned there will be overnight closures between Junction 5 and 7 on Thursday and Friday nights (March 2 and 3) from 9pm to 6am. A diversion will be in place at Junction 5.
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