The newly-transformed M6 Junction 19 at Knutsford has opened after a week of systems testing, and is now fully-operational.
Lead contractor AmeySRM delivered the 20-month project for National Highways as part of the Government’s road investment strategy.
Roads Minister Baroness Vere said, “I’m delighted to see these vital improvements to the M6 completed, which will not only boost connectivity for communities in Cheshire and beyond, but also improve journey times and safety at the junction. “This is a major investment from our roads programme and it’s so rewarding to see these projects materialise as we continue to level up the whole of the UK.”
Local MP Esther McVey, the member for Tatton, and senior regional officials from National Highways and Councillor Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council and chair of its highways and transport committee, have seen the improvement for themselves.
After visiting the site today Ms McVey said, “I was pleased to be able to see the work that has been going on at Junction 19 and am equally pleased that we are seeing Government investment in Tatton. I am hopeful this will make a significant improvement to the experience of travellers in the area.”
The new junction arrangements include a brand new ‘through-about’ bridge through the junction roundabout and over the motorway – one of the first of its kind in the country. It provides a direct link between the northbound M6 and A556 Knutsford to Bowdon bypass reducing the number of vehicles using the roundabout itself, cutting congestion and improving traffic flow and safety.
The new bridge also provides a direct link between the southbound M6 and Cheshire East Council’s section of the A556 running south of the junction roundabout at Tabley Hill where National Highways has also delivered a major improvement to the Pickmere Lane and Tabley Hill Lane staggered junction. The roundabout has also been tweaked with better access and safety for cyclists and pedestrians using and travelling between the A556 and B5569 local roads.
(Picture – National Highways)
