01.05.20
Manchester to Wales motorway set for £12m improvements
The next 12 months will see £12m worth of maintenance schemes carried out along a 28-mile stretch of the M56.
Highways England has announced today (May 1) that the motorway linking Manchester and North Wales will be upgraded to provide a better journey for drivers.
The £12m investment will fund a number of improvements, including a new central reservation barrier near Warrington, viaduct enhancements near Helsby and motorway resurfacing near Ellesmere Port.
Drainage improvements are also due to take place next month on the M56 near Manchester Airport ahead of the major upgrade starting in Autumn.
To ensure the safety of drivers, speed limits and lane closures will be brought in, as well as strict safeguarding measures to ensure the safety of road workers.
Gary Knowles, Highways England’s head of scheme delivery in the North West, said:
“The M56 provides an important link between Manchester and Wales, and we need to carry out a series of maintenance improvements to keep drivers safe and support essential journeys across the region.
“The smoother road surface, better drainage and new central reservation barrier will improve safety for drivers, whether they’re travelling to and from work, getting food to supermarkets or delivering medical supplies to hospitals.
“We’re doing everything we can to keep workers safe and would urge drivers to do their bit too by sticking to the speed limit for their own and our road workers’ safety.”
Work is also due to start on the M56 Junction 6-8 smart motorway in September, which will help reduce congestion and increase capacity.