THE motorway network in Cheshire is set to benefit from a chunk of £112.2million investment, National Highways says.

Road users are set to enjoy safer and smoother journeys after the outlining of a multi-million-pound package of repairs and improvements to motorways and major A roads this financial year, it claims.

More than £112.2million will be spent on 77 renewal schemes across Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, Lancashire and Cumbria up to the end of next March.

Key routes including the M6 and M56 are included in the ‘renewals’ package, which is in addition to day-to-day repairs and maintenance, according to National Highways.

Alan Shepherd, the agency’s north west regional director, said: “Our network provides vital connections for thousands of drivers each day.

“People rely on motorways and major A-roads to connect them to family, work and goods and services.

“It also provides them with links between cities and other destinations – making it essential in day-to-day life.

“This investment means that we can continue our work to deliver the essential maintenance and vital upgrades that will help keep drivers and our economy on the move throughout the region.”

Minister for Roads, Richard Holden, added: “More than £100million of investment in one year will ensure roads across the north west are maintained, repaired and improved, so those who use roads across the north west can enjoy safe, reliable journeys.

“This significant investment across the north west over the next year will keep the economy moving and region connected.”

Work has already started on the comprehensive maintenance and improvements programme for the year.

National Highways says the in-year allocation of funds includes £5.2million on pavement resurfacing works on the M56 between junctions six for Wilmslow and nine for the M6 at Lymm.

Moreover, £4.7million has been allocated to complete the replacement of the A533 Expressway bridge on the M56 between junctions 11 for Daresbury and 12 for Runcorn.

Funding worth £5.4million will assist concrete repairs and bridge strengthening works at M6 at Peover Eye between junctions 18 for Middlewich and 19 for Tabley.

Meanwhile, £2.5million will go towards renewing the safety barrier on the M53 between junctions 10 for Cheshire Oaks and 11 for the M56.

National Highways adds that there are several smaller projects to deliver resurfacing, refresh road marking and road studs, and renew sections of drainage.

Funds are also available for design work to extend the life of key sections of major A roads.