Press release

Smooth surface for M6 Wigan to Preston and back

Drivers are to benefit from a new surface on a busy section of the M6 in Lancashire, providing smoother and safer journeys.

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Resurfacing the M6

The Highways England resurfacing scheme starts on Monday 14 March between junctions 27 (Wigan) and 29 (Preston) and covers a 9 mile stretch across 3 lanes in both directions – the equivalent of 22 football pitches.

The motorway will remain open at all times but some overnight lane closures will be required.

The work, which also involves replacing reflective road studs and painting new road markings, is expected to last for around 16 weeks. It will take place in short sections up to 7 days a week, between 9pm and 5am, Monday to Friday, and until 7am at weekends.

Temporary lane closures will be required and a 50mph speed limit will apply for the safety of crews and drivers. Associated slip road closures will also be required and local signed diversion routes will be in place.

Highways England Project Manager Phil Deller said:

Drivers on the M6 will know this stretch needs resurfacing, and people will benefit from smoother and safety journeys as a result.

We’ve designed this programme with no full carriageway closures, so drivers will reap the benefits without too much disruption.

The programme is subject to suitable weather conditions.

General enquiries

Members of the public should contact the Highways England customer contact centre on 0300 123 5000.

Media enquiries

Journalists should contact the Highways England press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.

Published 11 March 2016