THE newly-opened £43 million M6 junction 19 project has been given a VIP seal of approval.

It finally opened on November 20 and after a week of systems testing is now fully-operational.

Roads minister Baroness Vere said: "I’m delighted to see these vital improvements to the M6 completed, which will not only boost connectivity for communities in Cheshire and beyond, but also improve journey times and safety at the junction.

"This is a major investment from our roads programme and it’s so rewarding to see these projects materialise as we continue to level up the whole of the UK."

Tatton MP Esther McVey, senior regional officials from National Highways and Councillor Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council and chair of its highways and transport committee, also saw the improvement for themselves.

Ms McVey said: "I was pleased to be able to see the work that has been going on at Junction 19 and am equally pleased that we are seeing Government investment in Tatton.

"I am hopeful this will make a significant improvement to the experience of travellers in the area."

The new bridge provides a direct link between the M6 southbound and Cheshire East Council’s section of the A556 running south from Tabley Hill, where National Highways has also delivered a major improvement to the Pickmere Lane and Tabley Hill Lane staggered junction.

The roundabout has also been tweaked with better access and safety for cyclists and pedestrians using and travelling between the A556 and B5569 local roads.

Councillor Browne said: "This is excellent news for road users in Cheshire East as it will improve journey times, boost connectivity and decrease congestion around this key junction for our road network.

"It is also good to see the improved access and safety for cyclists and pedestrians at the roundabout.

"The whole project team are to be congratulated on delivering this important and complex scheme under the twin pressures of poor weather and Covid working restrictions, while keeping travel disruption to a minimum."

More information on the project is available to view at nationalhighways.co.uk/our-work/north-west/m6-junction-19/.