Motorists travelling to Manchester Airport next week are being warned of disruption as a 40mph contraflow system is introduced on the M6 at the Thelwall Viaduct. The traffic management measures take effect on October 12 between junctions 20 and 21 and are expected to affect journeys using the viaduct, including some routes connecting with the M56.
The restrictions are being implemented to allow essential maintenance work on the Thelwall Viaduct, where bridge joints are being replaced. The structure carries the M6 over the Manchester Ship Canal and the River Mersey and is a key transport link in the North West.
Lane arrangements and overnight restrictions
According to National Highways, the traffic management plan will maintain four lanes of traffic in each direction during the day, although a 40mph speed limit will be enforced on both carriageways. As part of the arrangement, one lane of northbound traffic will be diverted onto the southbound carriageway while work takes place.
Additional overnight restrictions will be introduced between 10pm and 5am, when the northbound carriageway will be reduced to a single lane. Four lanes will continue to operate on the southbound side during these hours.
National Highways said the northbound exit slip road at Junction 21 will remain open throughout this phase of the project, which is expected to continue until spring 2027.
Disruption at other UK airports
In addition to disruption near Manchester Airport, Heathrow passengers may face delays due to scheduled closures of the anticlockwise M25 between Junction 15 and the M4 slip roads. The restrictions will be in place from 8pm on October 17 until 10am on October 18, and again from 8pm on October 24 until 10am on October 25.
Elsewhere, access to Birmingham Airport could be affected by a series of M42 closures linked to HS2 construction works. Sections between Junctions 6 and 9 northbound and Junctions 9 and 7 southbound will be shut from 9pm on October 23 until 5am on October 26, with additional impacts expected on connecting routes along the M6 and M6 Toll.
Passengers using Gatwick Airport may also encounter disruption as lighting improvement works continue on the A23 London Road and Airport Way slip roads. The eastbound Airport Way entry slip from London Road is subject to overnight closures between 9pm and 4am until October 9, while the westbound London Road exit slip is scheduled to close overnight from October 12 to November 13 during the same hours.
Luton and Belfast roadworks
At London Luton Airport, overnight southbound closures between Junctions 9 and 8 are set to continue on weeknights until 5am on October 9, with a further programme of restrictions running from October 12 to November 5, beginning each evening at 10pm.
Meanwhile, drivers travelling to Belfast International Airport are being advised of resurfacing works between Killead Roundabout and Airport Roundabout. The Belfast scheme includes overnight road closures from October 5 to 9, October 12 to 16, and October 19 to 23, operating between 7pm and 6am. Daytime lane restrictions will then be introduced from October 26 to 30, with traffic controls in place between 9.30am and 4.30pm.
