MORE than 20 Highways England schemes are being lifted or completed on motorways and major roads in the north west in time for the bank holiday weekend. 

But while it will mean a smoother journey for many families, you will have to get past the road works between Knutsford and Lymm on the M6 first.

The M6 north and southbound between j19 and j20 (near Knutsford to Lymm) is one of a handful of locations where roadworks will remain in place while a five-mile central reservation concrete barrier is installed.

All smart motorway works on M6, M60 and M62 will also remain in place.

Across England roadworks will be lifted from tomorrow, Friday, leaving 97.4 per cent of its 9,534-mile network free of roadworks in time for the holidays.

The list of schemes which will be completed and lifted over the May bank holiday period includes:

M6 Dawbers Lane to Hole House J27 – 29 Carriageway surfacing Northbound and Southbound 2 miles

A56 Rising Bridge Roundabout Improvement Scheme 0.4 miles

A56 Lighting improvement scheme between Rising Bridge Roundabout and the A679 Burnley Road

A56 Hud Hey to Huncoats surfacing scheme between Rising Bridge Roundabout and the A679 Burnley Road

M62 J9 to J11 VRS and Surfacing scheme

M65 J1 EB entry slip road surfacing M6 j38 (near Tebay). Ground investigation work. 1 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Spring Bank Holiday period.

M6 j42 (near Carlisle). Pre-design surveys / Coring works. 1.4 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Spring Bank Holiday period.

A66 (near Cockermouth). Raising of the carriageway profile and improvement of carriageway drainage. 3.5 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Spring Bank Holiday period.

A66 (near Keswick). Carriageway upgrade works. 1 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Spring Bank Holiday period.

A66 (near Kirkby Thore). Installation of safety improvements. 1 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Spring Bank Holiday period.

A66 (near Brough). Deflectograph survey works. 2 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Spring Bank Holiday period.

A66 (near Penrith). Deflectograph survey works. 2 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Spring Bank Holiday period.

A66 (near Brough). Deflectograph survey works. 2 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Spring Bank Holiday period.

A66 (near Brough). Deflectograph survey works. 2 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Spring Bank Holiday period.

A66 (near Brough). Deflectograph survey works. 2 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Spring Bank Holiday period.

A66 (near Kirkby Thore). Deflectograph survey works.1 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Spring Bank Holiday period.

A590 (near Lindale). Deflectograph survey works. 2 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Spring Bank Holiday period.

A590 (near Lindale). Deflectograph survey works. 2 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Spring Bank Holiday period.

M55 j1 (near Broughton). Deflectograph survey works.1 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Spring Bank Holiday period.

M55 j3 to j4 (near Wesham). Deflectograph survey works. 2 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Spring Bank Holiday period.

M55 j1to j3 (near Kirkham). Deflectograph survey works. 2 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Spring Bank Holiday period.

M55 j1 (near Broughton). Replacing gantry mounted Variable Message Signs. 2 mile(s) of roadworks completed for Spring Bank Holiday period.

Andrew Jones, Roads Minister, said: “We are delivering the biggest improvement to roads since the 1970s to improve journeys for drivers in the busiest periods and to create new capacity.

“We do not want work to stand in the way of families during their bank holiday getaway so I am pleased roadworks are being removed at so many locations.”

Mike Wilson, Highways England director of operations, said: “As a parent, I know all too well how challenging a long journey with young children especially can be, so we’re keen to do what we can do to help families enjoy the late spring break.

“We’ve worked closely with other transport providers to ensure our network can cope with increased demand.

“Of course, we still advise drivers to plan their journeys, check the latest traffic and travel updates, and the weather forecast, before setting out.”

People travelling with caravans and trailers are also urged to check their vehicles, especially their tyres, to help avoid a potential breakdown or incident and help keep traffic flowing.