£43m scheme to improve busy M6 junction to start next spring

Work on a multimillion-pound scheme to improve one of the busiest junctions of the M6 is to start next spring.

The £43m scheme to upgrade the roundabout at Knutsford  at junction 19 has been approved by the government.

A new bridge through the existing roundabout and over the M6 is being built to create a better traffic flow between the motorway and the A556 link road.

The £35.5 million contract for the detailed design and construction of the new bridge and other improvements has been awarded to a joint venture between Amey and Sir Robert McAlpine.

Highways England project manager Jamie Carruthers said: “Our priority is to deliver this junction improvement safely and minimise any disruption from these and other roadworks in the region and we’ll be providing more details at public information events in the new year.

“We’re now working with colleagues to confirm a start date in the spring.”

The government’s approval of the scheme  follows a public consultation in 2016.

The roundabout project is part of a half billion pounds investment to improve journeys along the Midlands to Manchester and Manchester Airport corridor.

The A556 Knutsford to Bowdon bypass was opened just over two years ago and the M6 junction 16 to junction 19 smart motorway was completed in March.

Work to construct a smart motorway on the M56 between the A556 and Manchester Airport is also due to start next year.