National Highways have given an update on how the region's motorways will look over Christmas.
The government-owned company have released information on exactly how the M6, M53, M56, M57, M58 and M62 will be running over the festive season. Each week it's a regular occurrence to see lane closures, and sometimes whole carriageway closures overnight as the company maintain and improve roads in the region.
However, National Highways has announced it will be lifting 900 miles of roadworks for the festive season.
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Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: “Being stuck in traffic can take the joy out of travelling home over the festive period.
“Given the disruption expected from the transport unions’ strike action and cold weather, I’m pleased that we could act to remove these roadworks - reducing congestion and helping people with their important journeys this Christmas."
When updating commuters in a newsletter, a spokesperson from Highways England said: "In the run-up to Christmas and over the festive period, we'll have no overnight lane, junction or carriageway closures from Tuesday, December 20 until Tuesday, January 3, 2023.
"Please be aware that speed restrictions, narrow lanes and temporary barriers will remain in place for your safety and that of other drivers. Three lanes will be open at all times. CCTV and free recovery will be in place to ensure the safety of motorists travelling through the area.
"We'd like to thank customers for their continued patience as we work to deliver the new scheme."
The end of this year saw huge work carried out on the M57 between junctions one (Tarbock Interchange) and two (Prescot), after previous attempts to repair the tarmac in a shorter period of time failed. This work took five months to complete.
National Highways Customer Service Director, Andrew Butterfield said: “We don’t want roadworks to spoil Christmas so we’re doing everything we can to make journeys as smooth as possible; that’s why we’re keeping almost 98% of the road network we manage free from roadworks.
“We know from experience that peak travel times can vary in the run up to Christmas and so we’re encouraging drivers to check traffic conditions before heading out to help keep traffic flowing.
“And we’re also asking motorists to be prepared before setting off. Almost half of breakdowns can be easily avoided if motorists carry out simple vehicle checks before their journeys.”
Real-time traffic information for England’s motorways and major A roads is available via the Traffic England website, local and national radio travel bulletins, electronic road signs and mobile apps.
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