Cheshire’s M6 to become smart motorway

Draft regulations to introduce variable mandatory speed limits as part of the planned smart motorway upgrade to 18 and a half miles of the M6 in Cheshire were published this week for consultation with key stakeholders. Highways England is planning to start construction work on the US$299 to US$427 million project between junction 16 at Crewe and junction 19 at Knutsford later this year. The hard shoulder will be converted into a permanent extra running lane and smart motorway technology installed to give
July 2, 2015 Read time: 2 mins
Draft regulations to introduce variable mandatory speed limits as part of the planned smart motorway upgrade to 18 and a half miles of the M6 in Cheshire were published this week for consultation with key stakeholders.

8101 Highways England is planning to start construction work on the US$299 to US$427 million project between junction 16 at Crewe and junction 19 at Knutsford later this year. The hard shoulder will be converted into a permanent extra running lane and smart motorway technology installed to give drivers more reliable journeys. Variable mandatory speed limits will be used to manage traffic speeds and help reduce congestion, whilst enabling safe operation of the motorway.

Introducing the variable mandatory speed limits on the motorway requires new regulations. These new draft regulations have been published for comment with consultation packs being sent to key stakeholders, such as local authorities, transport associations and emergency services.

Construction of the smart motorway scheme is scheduled to start between October and December this year.
Urban Traffic Control Air Quality & Weather Systems

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Traffic monitoring and hard shoulder running
    March 1, 2013
    Hard shoulder running is on the increase – and the detection and monitoring of incidents on affected roads is occupying the minds of experts across Europe and the US
    Read More
  • Nothing smart about ‘deadly’ lay-bys on all-lane running motorways, says AA
    September 27, 2016
    Eight out of 10 UK drivers think that removal of hard-shoulders on smart motorways has made motorways more dangerous than four years ago, according to an AA-Populus poll of 20,845 drivers. Some drivers even refer to the lay-bys on these motorways as ‘death zones’.
    Read More
  • Technology targets Red-X transgressors
    February 25, 2016
    Currently deployed technology is being used to detect motorists ignoring the ‘red-X’ signs that indicate the lane is closed, as Colin Sowman hears. With an increasing network of ‘Smart Motorways’ - all-lane running or the opening of hard shoulders during times of congestion - Highways England (HE) has identified a growing problem with ‘red-X’ compliance. The ‘red-X’ sign signifies a closed lane or lanes and used to provide a safer area for stranded motorists, emergency workers or road maintenance crews and
    Read More
  • Video: giant gantry is lifted overnight on the M6, UK
    October 8, 2018
    Highways England has released timelapse footage which shows a 20-tonne gantry being lifted over the M6 during an overnight operation in June. The 40m-wide structure will host 10 electronic signs between junctions 18 and 19 is being installed as part of a £274 million smart motorway project in Cheshire. The scheme will be completed in phases with all roadworks due to be removed by Spring 2019.
    Read More

Highlighted Content