Drivers are being warned of a series of forthcoming overnight closures on the M6 as the final phase of work to install new, safer central reservation barriers begins.

Safer concrete barriers are being installed along the central reservation of the M6 near Stafford

Part of an ongoing upgrade that will introduce all-lane running, the steel central reservation is being replaced with new concrete safety barriers along 17 miles of the motorway in Staffordshire. The concrete barriers help prevent ‘cross-over’ accidents when vehicles go onto the opposite carriageway, bringing safety benefit as well as fewer lane closures for repairs.

The barriers are being installed between junctions 13 (Stafford) and 15 (Stoke) following work already undertaken in June to install the concrete central reservation barriers between junctions 15 and 14.

As part of the work a number of overnight closures will be required between junctions 13 to 14 from today, Wednesday 28 August to Sunday 1 September (southbound only) 9pm to 6am and from Friday 6 September to Tuesday 10 September (northbound only) 9pm to 6am. Diversions along the a449 and Stone Road will be clearly signposted.

In addition, the M6 will also need to be closed for a number of nights between junctions 12 to 13 to give the construction team access to the central reservation at junction 13.

The closures between junctions 12 and 13 will take place from Monday 2 September to Thursday 5 September (southbound only) 9pm to 6am and from Wednesday 11 September to Thursday 12 September (northbound only) 9pm to 6am. During the closure, the A449 will be used as a temporary diversion route.

Highways England Smart Motorway Project Sponsor Peter Smith said: “Installing the concrete central reservation barriers is an important part of this motorway upgrade which will ultimately improve journeys for people using this road as well as giving drivers better information to help with their journeys while maintaining high levels of safety.

“We only close the motorway when absolutely necessary and do so overnight when we know there are fewer cars and it is safer to do so.

“However, we do understand that the diversions may cause some disturbance for people living near those routes and appreciate their patience while this important work takes place.”

Work to fit the new barriers as well as resurface the motorway should be completed along this stretch by early 2020.