It is reported that a road improvement scheme to replace steel central reservations with concrete barriers has been brought forward by the Highways Agency under the government's fiscal stimulus program.
Work starts later this month on the GBP 6 million safety and resurfacing scheme along the M6 in Greater Manchester between junctions 26 and 27. The project straddles Area 10 and 13 where the Aone+ consortium of Halcrow/Colas/Costain and AmeyMouchel are resident contractors.
An agency statement said that "The project includes replacing the steel central reservation barrier with a safer, concrete barrier. The new barriers are stronger and more robust, reducing the risk of vehicles involved in accidents crossing from one side of the motorway to the other and improving the safety of road users and road workers. The barriers are also unlikely to require repairs after vehicle impact."
Mr Chris Mole transport minister of UK said that "These improvements will mean safer journeys for motorists using this stretch of the M6. The government is committed to ‘Building Britain’s Future’ and bringing forward infrastructure investment wherever possible to help stimulate the economy."
He added that "Fiscal stimulus funding from the Department for Transport will enable the Highways Agency to deliver GBP 400 million of accelerated works this financial year with the M6 near Wigan just one part of the North West's motorway and trunk road network to benefit."
