The M6 between junctions 13 and 15 is one of the busiest sections of road in the UK. It is used by over 127,000 vehicles each day and suffers from heavy congestion and unpredictable journey times, especially during peak periods.
The M6 Junction 23 situated within the metropolitan borough of St Helensprovides a strategically important connection between the A580 East Lancashire Road (A580) and the M6 motorway.
M6 Junction 24 is a motorway junction serving Ashton-in-Makerfield. It opened in 1963 as part of the Preston-Warrington contract of the M6, and today forms an extremely busy commuter junction given it effectively cuts the corner to the A580 towards Liverpool.