Motorists on the M60 and M56 in south Manchester are ignoring diversions and driving through roadworks.
Drivers have been spotted moving cones and motoring through the site where the A-one+ team of Halcrow, Colas and Costain is working on a £6.6m road upgrade around Cheadle.
Work started last month but road workers have already recorded several ‘near misses’.
The four month scheme is taking place along the M60 between junctions 4 and 2 and the slip roads onto the A34.
The Highways Agency has reported similar problems on other sites and 22 motorists were prosecuted for driving through work to improve access from the M6 to M62 earlier this year.
Matt Sweeting, the Highways Agency’s regional Service Delivery Manager, said: “We are only a few weeks into this important improvement project but people have already been removing cones and driving through the roadworks to avoid using the signed diversions or alternative local routes.
“We have contractors working around the clock on this scheme. Some of the work is at the bottom of a bend on a slip road and drivers ignoring these closures cannot possibly know what they are heading into – whether that is a deep excavation, heavy plant or a team of road workers.
“Our road workers have a right to do their jobs in a safe environment. Drivers moving cones and driving into road works will be reported to the police.
“Drivers need to ask themselves if avoiding a diversion is worth risking a fine or the loss of their licence – or a serious accident.”
