Extra month of M6 delays
Motorists will have to endure roadworks for an extra month on the M6 near Cannock because a £5.5 million resurfacing project has been hit by delays.
Work on both carriageways will last a month longer than expected, running up a huge bill for taxpayers.
The final cost could push the project hundreds of thousands of pounds over its initial price tag. Bosses at the Highways Agency blame unforeseen work including wildlife habitats being discovered and extra repair work for the delays.
The work involves a new noise reduction surface, which will be installed on a 4km stretch from Penkridge to Junction 13.
Work started on January 8 and was due to be finished this month but will now carry on until mid-May.
Three lanes of the motorway will be open in both directions but a speed limit of 40mph will continue between the roadworks and drivers have been warned to allow more time for their journeys. Average speed check cameras will be used to enforce the speed limit.
Philipa St Aubin D'Ancey, from the Highways Agency, told the Express & Star it was better to complete all the work in one go than to come back at another time causing more disruption.
She said: "The delays were due to the discovery of wildlife habitats which had to be re-located and additional repairs to the concrete bridge steps which had not been expected.
"We are unable to say what the exact cost will be but it will not be as expensive as it would be to pay contractors to go back in later."
Highways Agency chiefs hope the surface will reduce traffic noise which people have complained about. Work will also see a new concrete barrier in the central reservation, new drainage and better markings.
