Warning over more overnight M6 closure disruption to Stafford

It comes as Highways England today confirmed the motorway will be closed again between junction 13 and 14 later this year.

It is for work to create an extra lane on the M6 and install electronic matrix boards, upgrading the route from Birmingham to Manchester to a Smart Motorway.

But the project, which saw overnight closures of the M6 earlier this month, has caused severe disturbance and damage to the town, it has been claimed.

County councillors Jonathan Price, of the Holmcroft ward, and Carolyn Trowbridge, of the Rowley ward, are putting pressure on Highways England to reduce disruption.

And councillor Price is to organise a meeting next month to discuss the issue, inviting transport officials.

He said: "It is totally unacceptable what our residents are having to put up with when the M6 is closed overnight.

"From 10pm, people in places like Eccleshall Road and Stone Road are faced with trucks thundering past their homes, creating disturbance and raising safety concerns.

"Then you get the damage caused to the roads and the repairs bill, which is left for the county council.

"It causes a storm across the town."

He added: "I want Highways England to pay more attention to the impact from the closures.

"I realise this needs to be done, but we can get it done as soon and as easily as possible?"

Councillor Trowbridge said: "It has been causing a nightmare for residents.

"But work has started to improve the situation. Traffic lights are co-ordinated better to increase the flow of traffic and we're trying to get compensation for the council for road damage caused."

Initially, Highways England said the next phase of overnight closures between junctions 13 and 14 would be from June 14 to July 14, both directions.

However, project sponsor Peter Smith, said it would now be taking place later this year, although no date has been given.

The motorway will, however, be closed overnight for knocking down of two bridges, Burton Bank footbridge near Walton-on-the-Hill and a bridge next to Home Farm in Creswell.

On the Smart Motorway upgrade works, Mr Smith, said: “We’re really keen to keep disruption to a minimum while we do this vital upgrade.

“We’re in touch with residents in Stafford affected by traffic diverted from the M6 and continue to work closely with local authorities and the emergency services as we plan diversion routes and try to minimise the impact.

“We’re not planning further closures between junctions 13 and 14 until later this year, other than in the case of an emergency.

"We are liaising with partners about the planned removal of two bridges over the M6 near Stafford that would involve a full 24-hour closure of the motorway on a weekend. The diversion route for this would avoid Stafford and a date for the work is yet to be confirmed.”