MOTORISTS in the North-west will have an easier journey this Bank Holiday thanks to the suspension of roadworks on many trunk roads and motorways. Cones will be lifted and lanes re-opened specially for the holiday weekend to cause minimum disruption. Neil Hewitt, Highways Agency area manager for Greater Manchester, said: "Restrictions will only remain in place where there is a safety requirement, and even then we are ensuring that they are kept to a minimum.

"Where traffic management is remaining in place, it is important that drivers take extra care and show courtesy towards other road users to ensure trouble-free journeys wherever possible."

Up-to-the-minute advice on roadworks and conditions on the network can be obtained by contacting the Highways Agency Information Line on 0345 50 40 30. The line is open between 9am-5pm over the weekend and Bank Holiday.

The following will have traffic management remaining over the Bank Holiday period:

Greater Manchester: All Highways Agency works will be removed, but work by Bolton MBC will require the closure on Saturday night of access from the M61 to the A666 at Kearsley roundabout.

M6: Jct 32-34: Southbound traffic management will affect only the hard shoulder. Jct 27-28: Southbound Charnock Richard Services. Third lane will be closed for 3km for safety reasons.

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