A MAJOR phase of the National Highways’ upgrade of the M6 between Haydock and Orrell is continuing with gantries needed for electronic signs being installed.

The gantries are being put in place between junction 23 (Haydock) and junction 26 (Orrell) this week.

The work means a series of overnight closures will be in place, with closures on the southbound carriageway resuming tonight.

The M6 southbound junction 26 to 23 will be closed overnight this week.

Monday, February 27 to Friday, March 3, 9pm to 6am

Saturday, March 4, 9pm to 7am

A National Highways Agency website earlier this month read: “In all, 65 new gantries are being installed along the motorway between junction 21a and junction 26.

“Ten of the new structures are super-span gantries providing overhead signs across both carriageways.

“The current phase of work also includes installing new safety barriers, completing drainage and finishing resurfacing of the new lane one in both the southbound and northbound carriageways.

“To allow the larger gantries to be installed safely the southbound M6 between junction 26 and junction 23 will be closed at night until Saturday 4 March.

“Ten of these will be super-span gantries meaning they’ll go across both carriageways.

“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.

“To reduce disruption on road users, we'll only be working on one carriageway at a time.”