Roadworks on the M53 motorway at Ellesmere Port will last a little longer than anticipated.

Previously we reported on the £7 million programme of barrier strengthening works to improve safety on the motorway, which began in late November 2023 and was due to be completed in August.

National Highways is replacing large sections of ageing steel safety barriers in both the northbound and southbound verges and central reservation between junction 9 and junction 11 of the motorway.

A major feature of the improvements involves replacing some of the steel barriers in the central reservation with a concrete barrier. These provide improved safety for motorway users and require less maintenance – meaning less disruption for drivers.

Traffic management has included narrowed lanes, a 50mph speed limit and temporary lane closures over the last nine months.

An end is in sight to the works, but it will be a little later than the previously anticipated August date.

A spokesperson for National Highways has confirmed the work is now due to be completed in mid-September, with all traffic management conditions – including the 50mph temporary speed limit – lifted.

The works had been slightly delayed due to unexpected difficult ground conditions.