M6 disruption warning as ‘never-ending’ ?78m work ‘in final stages’
‘Never-ending’ work on a busy stretch of the M6 as part of a multi-million pound project is reportedly in its final stages. National Highways started its £78 million revamp of the motorway’s junction 10 in 2020.
Delays meant an end date for the huge overhaul was extended and could not be completed last year as expected. But it is understood work is now in its final stages and will be completed later this year.
It comes as the M6 was closed in both directions at junction 13 for Stafford due to a collision this morning (April 8). Work at junction 10, near Walsall[1], has come to a halt over the Easter bank holiday weekend.
But closures will be in place from Tuesday, April 11. There will be lane closures and slip roads will be out of action, while the Black Country Route will be completely shut.
It will be closed westbound from Tuesday, April 11, at 10pm until 5am the next day. The eastbound route will be affected from 10pm on Thursday, April 13, until 5am on Friday, April 14.
National Highways said on its website: “M6 junction 10 congestion affects the local community and businesses, particularly during morning and evening peak times. The improvements will ease congestion and reduce journey times for the thousands of drivers who use it every day.”
It added: “We’re continuing our work around the M6 junction 10 roundabout and some of the connecting roads. This includes the full closure of the dedicated left turn from A454 Wolverhampton Road westbound into Tempus Drive to allow Openreach to carry out some essential work until Friday, May 19.”
The firm apologised for disruption caused to journeys and encouraged drivers to plan ahead, as well as allow extra time for travelling. It added: “National Highways is lifting more than 1,400 miles of roadworks this Easter Bank Holiday to help motorists enjoy smoother journeys.
“More than 98 per cent of England’s motorway and major A road network will be free from roadworks over the holiday period. This means that where possible, roadworks will be removed from England’s major A-road and motorway network by 6am on Thursday, April 6 and not put back in place until Tuesday, April 11.
“This means that no additional closures will take place besides the safety critical closures that are already out on the network.” Walsall Council said the stretch of the M6 between Walsall and Wolverhampton is ‘often heavily congested’.
The new junction roundabout has been fully installed, with the old south and north bridges demolished. Members of the public have taken to social media to share their frustration over the delayed works.
One woman said dubbed it ‘the never ending dreaded junction 10’, while another said: “How can it still need work doing on it, was supposed to be completed last October.”
See the full timetable of works here[3].