Drivers warned of delays when M6 in Stafford closes this weekend

Drivers will face diversions while the work takes place between Junction 13 and 14 to remove the 140-ton Burton Bank Footbridge, which was built in the early 1960s.

Highways England will carry out the work over the weekend, with lane restrictions from 5pm on Saturday leading to a full closure by 8pm.

The motorway will reopen on Sunday when the work has been completed.

Interactive map of the diversion:

Drivers are being warned to expect delays from 5pm and are advised to plan alternative routes while work takes place.

Highways England smart motorways project sponsor, Peter Smith, said: “To safely carry out the demolition of an arched bridge, which is a very complex process, we have to use both carriageways of the motorway so the M6 will be closed for up to 18 hours.

“We will be doing all that we can to minimise disruption in the Stafford area.

“I would urge anyone wanting to use the M6 in the area during the work to plan an alternative route and to allow extra travel time and fuel for your journey.

“I would also like to thank motorists, businesses and residents in advance for their patience.”

Traffic will be diverted off the M6 between Junctions 13 and 14 and will use the A449 and A34 as the diversion route. This route has been agreed with local authorities and will be kept clear of other works during the demolition.

To reduce M6 traffic on the day, signs will alert motorists to the closure as far away as Dover and Carlisle. Motorists and hauliers travelling between the North West and the Midlands and South of England will be advised to avoid the area by using the M62 and M1.

Due to the curved shape of the footbridge, there is not enough headroom for HGVs to travel under the bridge when the hard shoulder becomes a new running lane.

The footbridge is nearly 200ft long and weighs about 140 tons. In total it contains enough concrete to fill some 20 tipper trucks.

This will be the second bridge removed as part of work to upgrade the motorway between Junction 13 for Stafford and Junction 15 for Stoke-on-Trent after Creswell Home Farm bridge, just north of Junction 14, was demolished last year.