AFTER a weekend of road closures and ten-hour journeys, National Highways made a statement addressing the situation and plans for the future. 

Families travelling through Cumbria spent all day in traffic gridlock as a stretch of the M6 had to be closed for routine bridge repairs at Junction 33 near Preston. 

These bridge repairs were planned to continue on into the month. However, National Highways announced that this weekend September 16-19, the repairs would be put on hold. 

Alan Shepherd, National Highways divisional director said: "We are sincerely sorry for the delays experienced by drivers on the M6 this weekend and will be reviewing the traffic management, signage and communications ahead of future weekend closures.

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“As the nation pays its respects to Queen Elizabeth, planned full closures on the M6 are being paused this weekend (16 – 19 September). This will allow National Highways more time to review its plans for future weekend closures and make any necessary changes to minimise disruption."

Mr Shepherd said that two out of the three lanes were opened on the southbound carriageway at 5.10pm yesterday. Work restarted at 12.00 am and will continue until 5.00 am today (Monday 12 September).