Christmas is coming early as M6 roadworks misery to end
Motorway roadworks which have caused misery for drivers on surrounding roads in Walsall and Wednesbury are on track for completion a week before Christmas.
Repair work on the link road off the M6 onto the M5 in West Bromwich were delayed twice following an initial target of finishing by June.
The works, which started in January, have also resulted in the closure of the junction 9 southbound slip road on the to M6 at Wednesbury, causing long tailbacks on connecting roads.
But today, Highways England has revealed the works should finish by December 18. However, the body has warned bad weather could further put back the finish date.
Highways England spokesperson, Alistair Harris, said: "We are hoping to get this work finished by Christmas, and are currently aiming to complete by December 18."
Fellow spokesperson, Joe Wilson, added: "We are working hard to complete the M6 to M5 link road by Christmas when we hope to be able to reopen the Junction nine slip road and remove the temporary speed limit and traffic management cones and barriers.
"However, if we experience a period of heavy rain or freezing conditions then this may impact on our ability to undertake the work required to complete the scheme on time."
The announcement comes following a protests by nearby residents for the slip road at junction 9 to re-open following months of disruption.
Highways bosses closed the slip road in a bid to reduce congestion caused by the works, which are to repair reinforced concrete structures.
Current diversions for the M6 Junction 9 southbound on-slip closure take motorists on the local road network to M5 Junction 1 and to M6 Junction 7.
The route has caused congestion in Walsall and Wednesbury.
Walsall South MP Valerie Vaz called for a re-think to get the slip road re-open, and promised to raise it with a minister, calling the continued delays 'appalling'.
Yesterday, Councillor Tony Meehan, who represents the Wednesbury North ward, said that it seems like the roadworks have been on going 'forever'.
"It has been extremely frustrating for everyone since it has been ongoing for two years now," he said.
"The last I heard it was going to be early December that completion was due.
"Although I'm not a driver myself it seems like the chaos has been forever. It is horrendous as I think there has been four mile tailbacks even.
"Following the meeting that was held a few weeks ago it was broken down for us to understand more and it has been very complex work carried out," he added.
