18 months of roadworks misery on M6

Motorists face more than 18 months of hold-ups during work to open a fourth lane of the M6 on a 10-mile stretch of the motorway from this June, it can be revealed today.

And when that work finishes, a project to introduce a fourth lane stretching north to Staffordshire will begin.

The Highways Agency today announced major works will start in just over a month as part of plans to open up the hard shoulder between junction eight for the M5 link at West Bromwich and junction five at Castle Bromwich.

Narrow lanes and a 50mph speed restriction will be in force until at least the end of 2013 as part of the £126 million congestion-busting scheme.

When that finishes, work to create a fourth lane on a stretch from junction 10A for the M54 to 13 at Stafford will get under way in 2014.

The Highways Agency today asked drivers to be patient during the work. But the AA said motorists should expect similar delays to those experienced before the first scheme from junctions eight to 10A was launched in March last year.

AA spokesman Luke Bosdet said: "Some drivers will find it irritating because they want to get on. Suddenly speeds drop from 70mph down to 50mph and it's something that needs to be factored into a journey.

"The one benefit of 50mph is that it puts everybody at an equal speed so you are more likely to get through smoothly."

Robin Smith, of the Highways Agency, said: "Once the narrow lanes and 50mph speed limits have been introduced on the M6 north and southbound they are expected to remain in place until late 2013 to early 2014."

By Craig Hughes