WORKS to improve safety on the M6 near Solihull have entered its next phase.
National Highways is carrying out a number of improvements between junctions 4 for Coleshill and 10a for Essington.
Work on the first section between junctions 4 and 5 for Castle Bromwich was completed in August and included replacing the steel safety barriers in the central reservation with a concrete one as well as improving CCTV, lighting and drainage in the verges and creating three additional emergency areas.
Work will now move to the eight-mile section between junctions 5 and 8 for Ray Hall Triangle where verge signage and CCTV will be improved and two new emergency areas created.
National Highways says this phase is due to be complete next summer.
The project is being delivered as part of National Highways’ work to further enhance safety on existing dynamic hard shoulder motorways.
Earlier this year the Government announced that plans for new smart motorways would be cancelled in recognition of the lack of public confidence felt by drivers and cost pressures.
The Government and National Highways continue to invest £900million in further safety improvements on existing smart motorways, and to give motorists clear advice when using existing smart motorways.
National Highways regional sponsor, Nick Wells, said: “We’d like to thank road users for their patience while we’ve been carrying out this important safety upgrade along the M6.
“The work between junctions 4 and 5 has gone well and we are now turning our attention to the second phase of the project and advise drivers to be aware of the changing traffic management they’ll start to see later this month.”
National Highways said: “During the work between junctions 5 and 8, three lanes will remain open to traffic in each direction although a reduced speed limit of 50mph will be in place for the safety of road users and the workforce.
“A free recovery service will be provided.
“To install the new traffic management a series of overnight road closures will be required over a period of at least two weeks.
“Details of planned closures will be posted on the scheme webpage when confirmed.”
