Drivers claim they were forced to "ration" water and were "running out of petrol" after part of the M6 was at at a standstill for more than nine hours.
"Severe delays" were expected on the major motorway this weekend after essential works closed the southbound carriageway, with National Highways reporting delays of over three hours on the approach to the site of the roadworks. However, some motorists say they were stuck in traffic for far longer, with some even reporting a TEN hour wait to use the diversion.
Posting to Twitter, user @toffeelady1959 said: "M6 southbound iunction 33, I am now on rations and sips of water. Could be here all night at this rate. Waiting time two hours 15 mins and car not moved." Replying to the tweet, Sue Nugent said: "My son and kids have been stuck for over nine hours" whilst Alex Cooper said: "Stuck for ten hours. Dangerous especially for elderly and those with children."
Our sister site the Liverpool Echo reported that some drivers had questioned National Highways' estimated delay time, after Twitter user @LittleHitters, from Liverpool, said: "Is this a sick joke as we’ve been in it EIGHT hours at the same junction we entered on 8 hours ago! No food or water & running out of petrol as we have to keep stop start to move an inch forward every half hour. God help the elderly or people with young children and dogs." User Jo Dennis said: "Five hours!!!!!!!!! We still have 100 miles to go once we get through this. My mum cannot relieve herself by the side of the road - she’s 86!!! We are preparing for her to go in the car on a dog bed."
User @SBLCheshire said: "Please open the M6! The delays are ridiculous! These works have not been thought through at all. People have been sitting in traffic for hours! Stuck between J34 and J33 for over 2 hours and no where near the A6 diversion yet. You are putting people at risk with these closures!" Becca Baldwin said: "My partner and elderly mother in law are sat in this and have been for the last 5 hours nearly 6!! Needs sorting ASAP! They are without water and struggling!"
Replying to the comments on Twitter, National Highways North West said: "I'm really sorry for the disruption the works are causing. The weekend closure is essential for planned bridge repairs. Closing over a full weekend reduces the amount of overnight closures needed."
A notice on the national body's website states that the work is being carried out to "renew the waterproofing and surface" on two bridges to protect the joints from salt and rainwater damage, reducing the need for emergency repairs in the future. The central barrier on both bridges is also being replaced, and beams under the bridge decks which have been damaged after being hit by vehicles are being repaired too.
Unfortunately for drivers, the closures are set to be replicated for three other weekends, with the carriageway set to be shut off from September 16 to 19, September 23 to 26, and September 30 to October 3. The diversion in place directs traffic onto the A6 for 12 miles, before joining the M55 at junction one and back onto the M6 at junction 32.
The notice adds: "We are mindful that this work will cause delay and disruption and during our planning we have also taken into consideration work on the M56, junctions 5 to 9. We aim to minimise the impact on customers as much as we can, but we need to advise there will be delays.
"Where possible, customers should avoid the area by choosing another route if one is available and plan for longer journey times. Customers living on the diversion route will experience increased traffic numbers and noise during these closures. We apologise in advance and thank you for your patience while this essential work is completed."
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