Highways England has announced the completion of an M6 transformation project worth over £4 million.

The project increased the capacity of junction 23 where it meets the A49 and the A580 East Lancs Road.

Drivers can now cut through the centre of the roundabout to turn right onto the M6 or the A49 Lodge Lane.

A dedicated left-turn lane has been created for the A49 from the roundabout.


Further improvements include an extension to the exit slip road from the northbound M6 and the entire junction has been resurfaced with an antiskid coating.

A new traffic light system has also been installed.

Dr Andrew Kimmance, Project Manager at Highways England, said: "The extra lanes mean that the vast majority of drivers no longer need to travel around the roundabout, and instead can take a shortcut straight through the centre.

"The better slip roads and new traffic lights will also help to make it much easier and quicker for people to travel through the junction, benefitting both the local and regional economy as well as improving safety."

(LM)