Highways Agency

M6 Junctions 16-17 Phase 1 Maintenance

M6 Junctions 16-17 Phase 1

1. Why is the work needed ?
   
   Two sections of the M6 Motorway carriageway between J16 and J17 are showing repeated signs of failure. This has been more prevalent over the last 12 months with repeated repairs over this period. The repairs have only addressed failures at road surface level. The root of the problem is in the failure of the lower levels of carriageway, which give the motorway its strength. Repairs to date therefore have been relatively short lived to maintain the traffic flows whilst a major reconstruction scheme was designed and made ready.
   
   
2. What is it you are actually doing?
   
   We need to excavate down to these failed layers until we find sound material and then relay to current design standards with modern materials. The failure may be associated with drainage problems so we will renew this at the same time. Whilst traffic management is in place we will also be carrying out repairs to bridges and replacing safety fencing that has reached the end of its working life. In addition, when the motorway was built in the early 1960's at this location, two railway bridges were constructed forming two pinch points on the network. As a result we are having to harden the central reserve in advance of any carriageway works just to provide enough road space to enable 3 lanes of traffic in both directions.
   
   
3. What will it mean for drivers?
   
   The limited carriageway space over the two railway bridges has meant a fine balance between working areas, and road space for drivers. Our initial brief on the M6 is to always provide for 3lanes of traffic in each direction to maintain capacity. This includes an inside lane and middle lane wide enough for HGV movement. There is then the space needed to repair the carriageway safely and practically such that inherent defects are not built into the scheme, and we don't find ourselves out here again 6 months later. The proximity of live traffic to deep excavation and contractors working area has effectively dictated a speed limit of 40mph which needs to be enforced.Lane restrictions will consist of a combination of contraflow and narrow lane operations.
   
   
4. Where is it happening?
   
   North of Junction 16 on Cheshire/Staffordshire border, lasting 6 miles to the north.
   
   
5. When is it happening?
   
   Advance off-peak works from 21st May 2005.
   
   Traffic can expect lane restrictions through the peak periods from 6th June.
   
   Completion is programmed for mid-January 2006 subject to the weather.
   
   
6. Who is doing the work?
   
   The Highways Agency in conjunction with its designer, Atkins and Construction Management Contractors.