Region gears up for smart Motorways

Smart Motorways are on their way to Greater Manchester and the public will get a chance to take a look in a series of exhibitions around the region.

The schemes, the first of their kind in the North West, will be introduced on a 17-mile stretch of the network between Junction 8 of the M60 near Sale and Junction 20 of the M62 near Rochdale.

Smart motorways use technology to manage traffic and support economic growth by tackling congestion and improving journey times. This includes using variable speed limits, traffic flow sensors in the road, overhead signs and CCTV.

In addition, on the M62 between junctions 18 and 20, the hard shoulder will be permanently converted into a traffic lane, effectively widening the motorway to four lanes in both directions.

The M60 section, junctions 8 to 18, will be upgraded to a smart motorway, but the hard shoulder will remain for emergency use only.

Work on the project is due to start this summer, with completion in 2016/17. Anyone interested can find out more at a series of exhibitions where they will be able to speak to members of the Highways Agency’s project team, read more about the plans, and watch a computer-generated virtual tour of the improved motorways.

Highways Agency project manager, Paul Hampson, said: “The motorway upgrade is designed to support economic growth by alleviating congestion, which is estimated to cost the economy £2 billion every year. These exhibitions will give people the opportunity to find out more about the scheme and its benefits, and I encourage people to get involved.

The exhibitions will be held at:
George H Carnell Sports Centre, Kingsway Park, Urmston, Manchester, M41 7FJ on Friday 6 June 11.00am – 7.00pm and Saturday 7 June 11.00am – 3.00pm;

Mercure Norton Grange Hotel, Manchester Road, Rochdale, OL11 2XS on Friday 27 June 11.00am – 7.00pm.