HE launches consultation over M6 junction plans

Highways England is launching a consultation over plans to upgrade junction 19 on the M6 near Knutsford.

The busy junction – on a key route to Manchester and the airport – needs to be upgraded to meet the expected increase in traffic following the completion of the M6 smart motorway and A556 link road projects, which are both currently underway.

The junction improvements are due to start by spring 2020 and will be carried out by contractors for Highways England, improving access to the M56 and providing better and more reliable journeys for drivers.

Two public information events are taking place on Wednesday 17 August and on Saturday 17 September.

During the five-week consultation, which is due to conclude on Friday 23 September, members of the public will be asked to comment on two options of improvements for junction 19.

Option A includes creating a new road on a bridge over the junction, providing a better link between the M6 and A556. Option B includes extra lanes on the existing roundabout to increase capacity and new traffic lights.

Highways England project manager Irene Ofei said: “The changes will help reduce congestion in the future, improving safety and journey times for all road users and providing better links for residents and businesses to key roads in the area.

“We will also improve access for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. This scheme builds on our investment in the area, with the M6 smart motorway scheme and the A556 improvement scheme both currently underway.

“I’d definitely encourage people to come along to one of the consultation events in Tabley and Knutsford to let us know what they think of the plans, or to visit our website for more details.”