ROADWORKS on the M6 due to be completed this spring have been delayed.

The roadworks and associated speed limit restrictions have been in place for a number of years between junction 21 and junction 26 of the M6.

A speed limit of 50mph is in place for a stretch of motorway lasting for 10 miles.

Warrington Guardian: Work has been ongoing to 'improve' the M6 since 2021Work has been ongoing to 'improve' the M6 since 2021 (Image: Newsquest)

The roadworks have been taking place since the beginning of 2021, as work has been underway transforming the stretch into an all-lane 'smart' motorway.

National Highways is installing 65 new gantries in the process of transforming the M6 between Warrington and Wigan.

Work was due for completion this spring, as per the signs on the affected stretch of the motorway.

However, when questioned by the Warrington Guardian, a National Highways North West spokesperson threw the planned completion date into question, explaining that the works are in fact delayed.

The spokesperson said: "We will provide an update in due course on our work between junctions 21 and 26 of the M6.

"We apologise for the delay and are grateful to road users for their patience, and for driving safely through the roadworks.”

The project to transform this stretch of the M6 has cost between £100million and £250million.

Roughly 120,000 vehicles travel through this section of the motorway every day, and it is hoped that the new 'smart' motorway will ease congestion in the future.

Warrington Guardian: The works have cost between £100-£250millionThe works have cost between £100-£250million (Image: Newsquest)

According to the National Highways website: "Smart motorways are a technology-driven approach to tackling the most congested parts of the motorway network, improving journey reliability by controlling the flow and speed of traffic.

"They also support the economy by providing much-needed capacity on the busiest motorways, while maintaining safety for road users and those who work on the roads."

The project was thrown into doubt recently, with it being suggested that Rishi Sunak may be considering banning 'smart' motorways in the future - the rollout of any new motorway conversions has already been halted pending a review.

Speed restrictions remain in place between J21 and J26 of the M6.