M6 junctions 4 to 10a Dynamic Hard Shoulder enhancements
We are upgrading dynamic hard shoulder motorways, starting with the central reservation barriers.
Project information
These enhancements have been developed as part of our work to upgrade Dynamic Hard Shoulder motorways to the latest safety standards.
On 15 April 2023 the Government announced that plans for new smart motorways would be cancelled in recognition of the lack of public confidence felt by drivers and cost pressures. This follows an announcement in January 2022 to pause the rollout of new all lane running smart motorways, yet to start construction.
In line with this announcement we have cancelled the conversion programme while we consider alternative ways in which to operate the dynamic hard shoulder.
The Government and National Highways continue to invest £900 million in further safety improvements on existing smart motorways, and to give motorists clear advice when using existing smart motorways.
We are installing further safety measures for DHS motorways in operation, including upgrading the central reservation barrier.
Concrete barriers are even stronger than metal ones and significantly reduce the risk of vehicles crossing over from one carriageway to another, improving safety and reducing the duration of incident-related congestion.
They are also virtually maintenance free and will last twice as long as normal metal barriers, with far less need for closures for routine repairs.
While we are working in the central reservation, we’re also renewing road lighting, before moving into the verge to upgrade drainage, install new CCTV to ensure even better coverage, new signs to improve visibility of emergency areas, and also creating new places to stop in an emergency where appropriate.
Documents
Related Road projects
Traffic information
Information about scheduled roadworks and events on our motorways and major roads.X
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