A CONTRAFLOW system is set to begin as part of long-term major upgrade works on a key stretch of the M6.
National Highways will launch the 24-hour contraflow on Thelwall Viaduct this Monday, October 19, allowing for bridge joint replacement works to begin on the northbound carriageway.
The viaduct carries the M6 over the Manchester Ship Canal and River Mersey in Warrington.
A 40mph speed limit will be in place in both directions, with four lanes of traffic maintained during the day.
One northbound lane will run on the southbound side of the motorway.
A full overnight closure of the northbound carriageway between junctions 20 and 21 will take place from 10pm to 5am on Tuesday, October 20.
A diversion will be in place via the M56, M60, and M62.
Once the contraflow is in place, the first phase of works will continue until March 2027, focusing on the northbound side of the viaduct.
Southbound works will begin in spring 2027.
The entire project is expected to last until winter 2027-28.
A spokesman for National Highways said: "Replacing these bridge joints is essential to reduce the risk of unexpected closures, keep the bridge working safely and effectively, and minimise disruption for road users over the long term.
"We have carefully planned our work at M6 Thelwall Viaduct, which will be carried out in stages."
The northbound contraflow is the first stage of the project and includes the installation of scaffolding beneath the viaduct.
Full joint replacement works on the northbound carriageway will then take place until March 2027.
A southbound contraflow will be introduced in the spring, with southbound joint replacement works running until December 2027.
Final resurfacing and road marking will be carried out under overnight lane closures in winter 2027-28.
The spokesman said: "We always aim to work to the programme; however, unforeseen circumstances or adverse weather conditions may mean changes."
Additional traffic management phases may be required as the scheme progresses.
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