National Highways has warned drivers of a full-day closure on the M6 southbound near junction 23 (Haydock) on Saturday, November 14, for essential repairs to the road surface.
Both lanes one and two will be shut throughout the day to allow for a full-depth rebuild of a defect found in lane 1. Most of the work will be completed overnight, but the new surface needs time to cool and harden before it can safely carry traffic.
Repairs and closure details
National Highways said: "We're undertaking essential repairs to the road surface on the M6 southbound near junction 23 (Haydock). We've found a defect in lane 1 that needs a full-depth rebuild."
"We're doing a long-term repair rather than a temporary patch, to keep the motorway safe for drivers. Most of the work will happen overnight, but because the rebuild is so deep, the new surface needs time to cool and harden before it can safely carry traffic therefore will be closed throughout the day."
Advice for motorists
They added: "Lanes 1 and 2 closed all day. Sunday 15 November is available as a back-up day if needed. Lanes will re-open as soon as it is safe to do so. We'll keep this page updated as the work progresses. Please allow extra time for your journey and plan ahead."
The work will take place near the Haydock Island interchange, connecting the M6 with the A580 East Lancashire Road and the A49. The junction serves areas including Haydock, St Helens, Wigan, and Newton-le-Willows.
Importance of the M6
The M6 is Britain's longest motorway, stretching over 230 miles from the Catthorpe Interchange in the Midlands to Gretna in Scotland. It acts as a primary economic artery for road freight, with more than one in six vehicles using the motorway being a lorry.
The busiest stretch of the M6 is between junctions 20 and 21, near the Thelwall Viaduct, with over 187,000 passing vehicles a day, as well as around the West Midlands and Cheshire, which includes junction 16.
