Haydock Island redevelopment completed

Junction 23 of the M6 motorway benefited from traffic congestion improvements.

Highways England has today announced the completion of work at a busy junction on the M6 motorway. 

Located at junction 23 where the motorway meets the A49 and the A580 East Lancs Road, the development has resulted in much-improved level of capacity. 

Previously, the lanes through the centre of the roundabout could be used only by those staying on the A580. Now, there are two extra lanes in each direction so motorists can turn right. 

Dr Andrew Kimmance, Project Manager at Highways England, said that the improvements mean a “shortcut” is available for road users. 

He said: “This project will benefit the thousands of people who use junction 23 every day to travel between the M6, A580 and A49, and we’d like to thank drivers for bearing with us while the work to upgrade the junction has been taking place. 

“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. 

“We realise it might take drivers some time to get used to the new road layout, but we’ve installed signs and road markings to explain how it works. 

“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, benefiting both the local and regional economy as well as improving safety.”

Work at junction 23, which is also known as Haydock Island, means motorists can get onto the M6 sooner and those leaving either the motorway or A49 will not have to use the roundabout to access the A580. 

Instead, they will be able to turn right to gain access much quicker. 

The work was developed as part of Highways England’s pinch point schemes with the aim of reducing congestion issues eastbound and westbound on the A580 along with providing associated link roads connecting to the roundabout. 

These pinch point schemes will stimulate new development and economic growth by tackling congestion and improving road safety. 

Work at Haydock Island lasted for 20 weeks and includes a new traffic light system with sensors. 

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