NORTH WEST roads are being cleared of cones in time for the summer rush of holidaymakers.

Travellers to Manchester Airport, the Lake District, Blackpool and North Wales should find few roadworks to delay them as the Highways Agency is restricting work to essential repairs.

Agency director of network and customer services, Peter Nutt, said: "No-one likes to be held up when they are going on holiday, particularly if they have a plane or a train to catch.

"Although inevitably there will have to be some essential road repairs over the holiday period, we have tried to keep the motorway and trunk road network as cone-free as possible.

"Where repairs or construction work are necessary, we will try our best to minimise the inconvenience by doing work off-peak and keeping lane closures to a minimum." There will be occasional closures at junction 9 of the M61 at Walton Summit, and at junction 29 of the M6 at Bamber Bridge, for work on the M65. Resurfacing of the A59 Gisburn Road at Sawley, near Clitheroe, is due to start in August and traffic signals may be used in off-peak periods.

Motorists can check the latest situation by calling the Highways Agency Information Line on 0345 504030 between 8am to 8pm on weekdays and 9am to 5pm on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays.

Out of hours callers can listen to a recorded message with details of major roadworks.

The Highways Agency is urging drivers to avoid travelling at peak periods if possible.

Peter Nutt said: "Even on cone-free roads, the sheer volume of traffic using the main routes at peak times can cause delays, so it would be wise to avoid travelling at these times if at all possible.

"Everyone using the motorway and trunk roads should ensure they leave sufficient time to complete their journey, keep calm and drive safely."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.