A MAJOR repair scheme set to last until 2017 will begin on the M6 on Friday December 4.

The Highways England scheme, costing £14.5 million will result in five miles of roadworks, a 50mph speed limit and narrowed lanes between junction 19 at Knutsford and junction 20 at Lymm services.

The work will also coincide for a time with the Smart Motorway roadworks from junction 16 to 19 of the M6.

Highways England will be carrying out a combination of bridge repairs and support strengthening, a new concrete central reservation barrier, new steel verge barriers, drainage improvements and resurfacing.

Andy Withington, Highways England senior manager, said: “This important investment in maintenance, wear and tear repairs and safety improvements is about delivering a safer and more reliable M6 for drivers. “This work will complement the huge investment we’re making in the area with the smart motorway upgrade between junctions 16 and 19 and new A556 bypass.

“We’ve thought long and hard about the timing of the work given the proximity of the smart motorway project, but the bridge repairs are essential and by adding the other improvements we won’t need to go back this stretch of the motorway for several years.”

As well as some overnight carriageway closures to alter the temporary road layout at the start and end of construction and repair phases, there will be regular overnight lane closures.

Drivers can get more information about the project and or sign up for regular email updates by visiting the dedicated project webpage at: http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/road-projects/M6-junctions-19-20-vehicle-restraint-system-works-and-bridge-strengthening-works

More information on that project is available at: http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/road-projects/m6-junctions-16-19-smart-motorway/?latest