Works get under way on fourth M6 lane

Construction work on a £126 million scheme to open up the hard shoulder of the M6 was officially starting today. It follows the success of a pilot scheme around Walsall.

The new project to create a fourth lane along a 10-mile stretch between Junction 8 at the M5 interchange and Junction 5 at Birmingham is expected to take up to 20 months to complete.

When that section is finished, work will start between junction 10A at Essington to 13 at Stafford. That project – described as "long overdue" by councillors – is due to begin in 2014.

The managed motorway scheme aims to cut congestion and improve journey times and safety.

It follows the successful opening up of the hard shoulder between junction 9 and 10a.

A 50mph speed restriction and narrow lanes are already in place from junction eight at the M5 link and junction 6 ahead of construction work getting under way.

These restrictions will then be extended up to junction five from January.

The Highways Agency has insisted the miles of restrictions are necessary throughout the whole programme. Overnight closures are also anticipated.