M6 Motorway Closures Trigger Major Diversions Near Knutsford & Lymm
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Allow significant extra travel time on the M6 today as both carriageways face closures, prompting extensive diversions for motorists. National Highways is advising drivers to plan ahead and consider alternative routes or delaying travel.
Both the northbound and southbound stretches of the M6 are currently impacted, causing disruption for commuters and freight traffic. The closures are expected to add considerable time to journeys, particularly during peak hours.
Northbound M6 Closure & Diversion Route
The northbound carriageway is fully closed between Junction 19 (Tabley, Knutsford) and Junction 20 (Lymm). Motorists are being directed to follow diversion routes marked with the solid square symbol.
The official diversion route, as outlined by National Highways, is as follows:
- Leave the M6 northbound at Junction 19.
- At the M6 J19/A556 roundabout, take the third exit onto the A556 northbound and proceed for 7.3 kilometers.
- At the A556/A56 Bowden roundabout, take the fourth exit and follow the link road from the A556 to the A556 southbound for 0.2 kilometers.
- At the A556/M56 Junction 8, turn onto the M56 westbound entry slip road and follow the M56 westbound for 8.5 kilometers.
- Leave the M56 westbound at Junction 9 to rejoin the M6 northbound.
Southbound M6 Closure: ‘Up and Over’ Operation
The southbound carriageway is closed at Junction 19, utilizing what is known as an “up and over” closure. This involves diverting traffic via the exit and entry slip roads at the junction. This method allows for efficient management of traffic flow during short-term closures, but can still cause localized congestion.
“If this closure impacts on your planned route, please allow extra journey time,” a senior official stated. “Plan ahead, you may wish to re-route or even delay your journey.”
The closures underscore the ongoing need for infrastructure maintenance on the UK’s motorway network. While the specific reason for the closures was not detailed, National Highways routinely undertakes repairs and upgrades to ensure the safety and reliability of the road system. Motorists are urged to stay informed and exercise caution while navigating the diversion routes.
