M6 junction 13 to junction 15 smart motorway

[SouthWest Philip]

I actually agree with the lane drops at M25 J10 and J12, as I don't see how else such high merge volumes could be accommodated. If three through lanes isn't enough then the solution isn't no lane drop, it's widening the adjoining sections to D5 with D4 through the junctions. J11 is a different matter of course.

Indeed. If anything, the M3 could do with having a double lane drop from the M25 clockwise if the approach were widened to D5.

[Big L]

I've noticed they are lane dropping at J14 which I didn't think was originally planned. Worried this will cause queues on approach and bad lane management instead of like the Cheshire section where it runs through the full 18 mile stretch.

I drove through northbound this morning and the carriageway through J14 is marked out with 4 lanes. I will check southbound this evening.

[Big L]

Southbound does seem to be getting a lane drop. That will help the joining traffic - it could be "exciting" sometimes entrring there, with the shortish slip and pretty poor visibility.

[brummie_rob]

That makes more sense, it is quite a poor join and probably would have been worse with a fourth lane.

[Big L]

Some of the VMSs have been installed !

I saw 3 up this morning, but there may have been more.

[Big L]

Some of the VMSs have been installed !

I saw 3 up this morning, but there may have been more.

I had a better look today - the weather was somewhat better !!

2 northbound between 13 and 14, none southbound.
4 northbound and 3 southbound between 14 and 15.