A historic route over the River Mersey will undergo vital repair work over the coming months, potentially impacting 180,000 drivers every day.
National Highways has confirmed that the Thelwall Viaduct will face new restrictions as work takes place to replace bridge joints.
The viaduct carries the M6 across the Manchester Ship Canal and the River Mersey, with more than 180,000 vehicles crossing over every day.
The 4,500-foot bridge joints will be replaced on both the north and southbound structures as part of the £27million upgrade project.
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By replacing the joints, the bridge can safely expand, contract, and shift when temperatures change, there are strong winds, or if weights change.
National Highways said the work will reduce the risk of unexpected closures, and minimise disruption for tens of thousands of road users.
The Government’s £27billion Road Investment Strategy allocated £8.4billion for resurfacing carriageways and renewing bridges between 2026 and 2031.
Work will officially commence on September 1, 2026, and will see scaffolding installed underneath the bridge for access to the joints.
Overnight work will start on the M6 from September 28 between junctions 20 and 21, and should be completed by winter 2027/2028.
From October 12, a 24/7 contraflow traffic system will be in place from just after J20 to J21 on the northbound carriageway and from just before J21 to before J20 on the southbound carriageway.
National Highways stated that this would be the “safest way” to carry out work while keeping disruption and motorway closures to a minimum.
Chris Court, programme delivery manager at National Highways, highlighted how the Thelwall Viaduct was built “several decades ago”, prompting the repairs.
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They added: “The viaduct’s joints have now reached the end of their operational lifespan, making replacement essential to maintain safety and reliability for road users.
“This investment will help secure the long-term future of the structure, ensuring this vital route remains safe, resilient and fit for purpose.
“A well-maintained road network is crucial for supporting businesses, creating employment opportunities and driving regional economic growth.”
Speed limits will be reduced to 40mph while the work on the M6 takes place, in addition to narrow lanes.
The transport organisation stated that motorists heading north will have four lanes available, with three lanes on the northbound carriageway and one lane running on the opposite side of the motorway.
Meanwhile, drivers travelling south will continue to have four lanes available on the southbound carriageway.
All lanes are expected to stay open during the day, and one lane will remain active overnight on the carriageway where work is taking place.
Further maintenance work is set to take place on the M6 northbound between junctions 32 and 33 at Whittingham Lane underbridge near Preston. This will take place from September 12 until October 29.
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