WORK has begun on clearing trees and shrubs on the verges of the M6 at Knutsford in advance of the main works involved in a Smart Motorway scheme.

Highways England aims to improve a 20-mile stretch of the M6 between junction 16 at Crewe and 19 at Knutsford by making it a Smart Motorway.

This will use the latest technology to improve journeys by monitoring traffic flow and setting speed limits to keep the traffic moving smoothly.

The scheme, estimated to cost between £192 million and £274 million, includes converting the hard shoulder permanently to a traffic lane to create extra capacity, and information about road conditions and speed limits will be displayed on electronic road signs.

The aims of the scheme include reducing congestion and smoothing the traffic flow to improve travel times, supporting the region’s economy by providing much-needed motorway capacity and continuing to deliver a high level of safety using Smart Motorway techniques.

Work has started on clearing trees and shrubs in the verges to give space for the new works. This will involve tractors for grass cutting, flail cutters and chainsaws.

“The work will need to be carried out at night to avoid traffic disruption and because we will need to close lane 1 for safety reasons,” said project director Jeff Curry.

“We will be starting this work at junction 19 in the southbound verge and moving southwards to junction 18.

“We will then begin in the northbound verge at junction 18 and continue towards junction 19, and will try to keep noise and disruption to a minimum.

“The clearance of vegetation is being carried out this winter in advance of the main construction works in 2016 to minimise impacts such as the bird nesting season in spring.”

Early next year average speed cameras will be installed, and work will begin to create narrow lanes with a 50 mph limit.

“The narrow lanes are necessary to give us working space in the centre reserve or in the verges of the motorway,” said Mr Curry.

“The narrow lanes will initially be between junctions 19 and 18, and will then progress southwards.

“To complete the motorway upgrading works certain key construction activities will have to be carried out at night. We recognise night-time working can cause concern and will work proactively to minimise any potential disturbance.”

Work on the scheme is due to be completed by March 2018.