M6 closures Wigan: roadworks shut motorway between junctions 23 and 26 on these dates

Motorists are being warned of a number of overnight closures on the M6 this week for pre-planned roadworks as part of a Smart motorway scheme.

Closures are taking place to allow new gantry signage to be installed.

The southbound stretch between Haydock Island and the Orrell interchange will be affected by the roadworks. From Tuesday 20 September to Thursday 22 September 2022, there will be overnight closures on the M6 southbound from junctions 23 to 26.

Closures also took place in the opposite direction last week as part of the scheme.

What times are the closures?

Both sets of closures take place between 9pm and 6am.

Diversions will be signed for those who cannot avoid the area. Residents living nearby have also been warned to expect some noise from the roadworks.

You can follow any progress on the work at the National Highways website here.

A National Highways spokesman said: “When the scheme is complete messages on the gantries will be operated from our Regional Operations Centre. Radar technology and cameras will be used to detect the speed, volume and flow of traffic. The information informs an optimum speed that is displayed on the signs, keeping traffic moving and reducing congestion.

“The signs can also be altered manually by Regional Operations Centre staff in the event of an accident or debris on the road. Operations centre staff can close a lane to protect a live lane breakdown and to create a path for emergency service vehicles to access the incident.

“A red X will be shown above the affected lane (or lanes) to close the traffic. Supporting variable message signs will be set to inform approaching motorists of a closed lane.”