Better information for your journey
The National Traffic Control Centre collects real-time information on road conditions.
The Project Control Framework
On 1st April 2008 we launched the Project Control Framework. The Framework sets out how we, together with the Department for Transport, manage and deliver major improvement projects.
Traffic news on your desktop
Helpful ways to access the latest traffic information when you need it.
The Route
The M6 is a strategic route that meets a number of important high level needs. The section between Junction 11A and Junction 19:
- Is part of route E5 of the Trans European Network of Roads
- Is part of the national motorway network making a major contribution to the UK economy
- Forms an integral part of the main transport corridor connecting the Midlands, the North West of England, Scotland and Wales
- Is a major transport link for the movement of freight and other strategic traffic
- Facilitates the movement of holiday traffic and access to national events
The J11A-19 section of M6 carries high volumes of heavy goods and other vehicles. Congestion and unreliable journey times are already being experienced at busy periods and traffic is predicted to continue to grow over time.
The M6 through Staffordshire and Cheshire also meets important regional and some local needs. It is important to the economic performance of the North West, North Wales, West Midlands and the North Staffordshire regeneration zone. It provides a major transport link between regional centres of population and to other regional routes. It also provides access to regional transport interchanges and attracts longer distance traffic away from local roads.
The M6 passes close to a number of communities and because it is an early 1960's design, environmental measures to reduce its impact are generally poorer than expected from a modern motorway. An important aspect of any solution that meets operational needs, would be some improvements to current environmental mitigation.
