Major motorway reopens after three years with new safety features and lower speed limits

National Highways said it removed the cones and final signals to the junction on October 12 allowing drivers to use the 10-mile section for the first time in three years.

However, the newly upgraded Warrington to Wigan section will run at slower speeds of 50mph with other interim safety measures in place until work on stopped vehicle detection is completed.

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When the final parts of the upgrade are complete, National Highways said it would remove the speed barrier, and the road would return to its 70mph maximum national speed limit by next spring.

The works saw National Highways add an extra lane in both the northbound and southbound carriageways. The upgrade has involved providing extra technology and safety enhancements, including stopped vehicle detection.

The detection uses radar technology to alert National Highways of delays, allowing them to close lanes with a Red X signal, display speed limits and deploy traffic officers.

In cases of emergencies on the smart motorway, National Highways said: “Switch your hazard warning lights on, even during the day. If it’s dark, use side lights and in poor visibility use fog lights.

“If it’s safe and you can get out with any passengers, exit your vehicle via the left-hand door and get behind a safety barrier where there is one and it is safe to do so. They offer extra protection.

“Gather any items you may need, such as mobile phone, coat, hi-vis clothing, food, drink and medication. Take care if getting items from the boot. Keep well away from your vehicle and moving traffic, even if it’s raining, cold or dark.

The project was extended in December to add an extra 12 emergency areas – with 22 provided in all – as well as resurfacing all lanes along most of the upgraded route.

However, temporary CCTV cameras from the roadworks and a free recovery service will remain in place during the “technology commissioning” period.

Drivers will also be able to use any of the 22 new emergency areas if they need to stop in an emergency. It forms part of the agency's pledge to create 52 emergency areas to offer drivers an alternative to a hard shoulder.

Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, said: “There is a real irony when it comes to talking about cost pressures in relation to these distinctly unpopular types of motorway.

“While heralded as a cost-effective way of increasing capacity on some of our busier roads, a colossal amount of public money has since gone into trying to make them safer – for instance by installing radar-based technology to detect stricken vehicles more quickly, plus the creation of additional emergency refuge areas."

While the new safety measures have been put in place, the last overnight closures will take place from 9pm to 6am to remove cones and barriers on the motorway. On Wednesday, October 16, there will be closures southbound on the M6 from junction 26 at Orrell to junction 23 at Haydock.

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Further closures will take place on Thursday, October 17, northbound between junction 21a at Croft to junction 22 at Winwick.