New approach to roadworks cuts waiting time for drivers

A NEW approach to motorway roadworks is reaping rewards for drivers on the M62 near Warrington
Highways England has changed the way it is working on a motorway upgrade – and has cut the length of time the roadworks will be running.
A similar scheme has already been adopted on the M6 between Stafford and Stoke.
Instead of drivers using both carriageways while the upgrades take place around them, the company has introduced contraflows.
Drivers still go through the roadworks at the same speed but the contraflows create larger construction areas at the side of the motorway enabling more work to be safely carried out in one shift, speeding up the project. That also benefits local communities.
Highways England Smart Motorways programme manager for the North West Mike Bull said: “We appreciate people’s patience as we carry out these important motorway upgrades.
“We are always reviewing how we carry out major upgrades so we can minimise disruption as much as possible for drivers using our roads and people living near them. We are delighted to be able to complete these upgrades more quickly, and with fewer closures, thanks to the introduction of these contraflows.
“This is all part of our work to ultimately improve journeys in this area by adding extra capacity and technology to the motorway.”
A major motorway upgrade will require up to 200 full motorway closures to complete construction work. However, by using a contraflow, the number of full closures reduces to an average of 60, benefiting local residents and drivers.
Contraflows allow contractors to carry out bigger works, normally carried out overnight, during the day. There is more space at the verge to work and vehicles can pass each other without having to wait until another team has finished.
Works could include the construction of gantry bases, emergency refuge areas, surfacing and drainage work and the installation of gantries and barriers.
Temporary barriers separate the contraflow traffic on the opposite carriageway.
Work began on Sunday ( April 7) on a phased introduction of the contraflow on the M62 between junctions 11 (Birchwood) and 12 (Eccles Interchange) with a series of overnight closures. The work, due to be finished by this weekend, will see two lanes running on the eastbound carriageway and the contraflow lane on the westbound carriageway.
On the eastbound, lane one will take traffic onto M60 (N), the second lane will take traffic onto M60 (S&E) and M602, and the contraflow lane will be signed for the M602 only. This will be in place until late July.
Once works on the eastbound verge have finished, the contraflow will switch to the westbound carriageway and mirror the eastbound contraflow works.