Final testing on the M6 smart motorway in Birmingham is currently underway, with operations scheduled to begin by March.
The smart motorway project uses electronic gantry signs to display variable speed limits as well as opens up the hard shoulder as an additional traffic lane during rush hours.
The UK’s Highways Agency carried out hard shoulder running tests on 23 February between junction six at the Gravelly Hill interchange and junction eight at the Ray Hall interchange at Great Barr on the M6.
Highways Agency traffic officer vehicles have been be used to check CCTV camera positions to ensure good visibility along the whole stretch.
Subject to success of the tests, the smart motorway scheme will be opened between junctions six and eight from 1 March.
Tests on the remaining sections of the project, between junction five at Castle Bromwich and junction six, will commence from 30 March. Three live lanes will in operation while the tests are underway.
Smart motorway scheme project manager Rob Edwards said: “Motorists have already started to benefit from this scheme nearing completion.
“When fully operational, road users will benefit from a third more capacity, reduced congestion and more reliable journey times through the use of variable mandatory speed limits and opening up of the hard shoulder as an extra running lane when needed.”
