Smart motorways scrapped but what does it mean for the M6 and …

No more smart motorways will be built amid safety and cost concerns - but Lancashire[1] motorists will still be affected by the existing rollout. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has confirmed fourteen planned smart motorways are no longer due to happen thanks to a combination of public safety concern and financial pressures. Eleven of those had already been paused and will not be resumed, while another three were only earmarked for construction.

The move is seen as a victory for campaigners who raised concerns over road deaths on motorways with no hard shoulder. Calls are now being made for the reinstatement of hard shoulders in affected areas. Some have also raised frustration at the delays and disruption caused by the works which have involved major constructions projects.

While no new builds are now due to be started, work will continue on two existing projects in the North West which are already more than three quarters complete. These are the M6[2] between Junction 26 for the Orrell Interchange leading to Skelmersdale[3] and 21a for Croft Interchange - affecting drivers heading south from Lancashire. Those driving further around the North West could still be affected as works on the M57 will continue between junctions 8 and 10.

In its most recent update for the M6 stretch, National Highways said: "We'll be finishing off the initial work on gantries between junction 23 (Haydock) and 26 (Orrell) soon. Following this, we'll then be moving into the area between junction 22 (Winwick) and 23 (Haydock). Working in this way means we can also carry out carriageway repairs at the same time, minimising disruption for motorists by reducing the number of closures needed.

"For the safety of road users and our operatives, we need to carry out a series of overnight closures as we continue to deliver this essential work. We'll only ever be closing one carriageway at a time to reduce disruption on road users." The M6 is due to be closed southbound between J23-26 on Thursday, April 20 9pm to 6am and overnight tonight between J22-23.

Northbound closures are planned overnight between J23-26 on Friday, April 21 and Saturday, April 22 and between J22-23 on each night from April 17-19. Transport[4] Secretary Mark Harper said: "We want the public to know that this Government is listening to their concerns. Today's announcement means no new smart motorways will be built, recognising the lack of public confidence felt by drivers and the cost pressures due to inflation."

References

1. ^ Lancashire (www.lancs.live)
2. ^ the M6 (www.lancs.live)
3. ^ Skelmersdale (www.lancs.live)
4. ^ Transport (www.lancs.live)