As well as an extra running lane in each direction
along the M62 between junction 18 and junction 20,
intensive extra technology, such as CCTV cameras and
electronic signs, has been provided along both M60 and
M62 sections. Variable mandatory speed limits are
guiding traffic along the motorway at steady speeds -
tackling congestion and frustrating stop-start driving
conditions.
Highways England senior project manager Jonathan
Stokes, said:
Going ‘live’ this week marks the most significant
milestone for this project. We would like to thank
users of the M60 and M62 and people living around
them for their patience and support over the last few
years while we have worked to deliver this vital
investment in what is an almost uniquely complex
environment.
Although this is the first smart motorway in the
North West the system has been running successfully
in other parts of the country for several years –
including around Leeds – and we’re confident it will
deliver safer, smoother and more reliable journeys.
The removal of narrow lanes and completion of the
project now paves the way for key sections of the M60
to be resurfaced – with the programme of overnight
resurfacing and bridge maintenance set to begin later
this month.
This is part of Highways England’s £100 million
investment in maintenance work across the North West.
The resurfacing will reduce the need for further
maintenance, meaning less disruption in the long run.
All work is taking place at night to minimise
disruption to drivers.
The first phase of this work will begin later this
month and involves resurfacing between junctions 15 and
12 and between junctions 10 and 12. Some overnight
closures will be required. Further details on remaining
work will be publicised nearer the time.
Four more smart motorway improvements – worth £500
million and delivering 90 miles of extra lanes to the
local motorway network – are also due to be constructed
during the next few years. The first of these - the M62
junction 10 to junction 12 project which will link the
M6 near Warrington to the M60 near Eccles – is due to
start later this month while M56 (junctions 6 to 8), M6
(junctions 21a to 26) and M62 (junctions 20 to 25)
schemes are also planned.
With the first smart motorway in the North West now in
operation drivers are being encouraged to think about
how to make the best of the new system
with guidance available.
