Motorway closures for roadworks across the UK will be postponed ahead of the state funeral of Her Majesty the Queen, it was confirmed today. Hundreds of thousands of mourners are expected to descend on London from Wednesday up until the funeral next Monday, a Bank Holiday.
Announcing the move, National Highways said the planned closure of the southbound M6 - between junctions 33 and 32 north of Preston - will be among the roadworks postponed this weekend. It comes after the closures for the same stretch of motorway last weekend caused traffic chaos, with huge delays and drivers claiming they were forced to 'ration water' after being stuck in queues stretching up to nine hours long.
Highways bosses said planned closures of 'major routes' in and out of London will also be postponed to reduce congestion as large numbers of people travel to the capital for ceremonial and commemorative events to mark the Queen's passing.
