A stretch of the M6 is back open after years of major upgrades are completed (Image: Getty)
A major stretch of one of the UK’s busiest has reopened after three years
lifted a 50mph maximum speed limit on a piece of smart motorway on the on Thursday morning as a major infrastructure project on the route was completed.
Reduced speeds had been in operation on a stretch of the route as new upgrades were installed.
The £260million bill has seen the introduction of a new lane across both the northbound and southbound carriageways.
Meanwhile, stopped vehicle detection tools have also been brought in to help boost safety.
Roadworks began on the route back in early 2021 (Image: Getty)
These cameras use radar technology to scan vehicles on the road and instantly alert National Highways if a car is stationary.
It allows lanes to be closed quickly after an incident, in a potentially massive boost to road safety in the area.
The work has taken just over three and a half years to complete, with builders getting to work on the scheme back in March 2021.
The upgraded motorway runs for 10 miles between the interchanges with the M62 at junction 21a at Croft and the M58 at junction 26 for Orrell.
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It is believed the stretch is one of the region’s busiest motorway sections making the work invaluable for locals.
Estimates suggest that around 120,000 vehicles use this stretch of the route daily, making it a key route for motorists in the North.
, the project was extended last December to add an extra 12 emergency areas.
In total, 22 emergency areas for motorists to stop if struggling have been provided in total on the stretch.
The roads were also completely resurfaced along the upgraded route, marking another boost for regular travellers.
Motorists took to social media to hail the announcement, with some suggesting the speed restrictions had increased their journeys by up to a quarter of an hour.
X user @roganborg said: “About time, adds an extra 15 minutes to my journey.”
@Janeylj added: “Thank the Lord! Eventually a good night’s sleep.
“No more night time diversions past my house and hearing Lorrie’s [sic] rumbling past/ or sat waiting for the traffic lights to change. Has been absolutely ridiculous with no regard for local communities.”
@Nigemufccok commented: “Will all the lane closures/junction closures stop now? Every night it’s causing havoc for drivers.”