Roadworks to cause 'severe congestion' at M60 junction

6 hours ago

Georgie DockerNorth West

News image — Work begins at Simister Junction, on the M60 in Bury, on Saturday

National Highways A motorway with large blue signs overhead forks two ways at a junction. On the right there is a sign for the M62 to Leeds and Huddersfield and on the left are signs for Oldham. — Work begins at Simister Junction, on the M60 in Bury, on Saturday

Motorists have been warned of widespread disruption as £300m of improvement work is set to begin across a stretch of Greater Manchester motorway.

Road closures, diversions and temporary speed limits will be in place at Simister Island in Bury from Saturday, as work begins on a £255m-£296m project at Junction 18 of the M60.

The ring road will be closed in both directions between Junctions 17 and 18 over the course of two weekends - 26 September to 28 September and 10 October to 12 October.

National Highways has advised road users to expect "severe congestion" and to "avoid travelling" in the area during the weekend - adding "it's going to be busy".

Google Maps Large motorway concrete gantries holding up motorway signs over the carriageways. — The project will see an 'upgraded road layout' and the replacement of the gantries which hold up motorway signs

It said the scheme, which was given the green-light last year, will improve traffic flow, support future housing, employment and growth across the region.

"We understand the inconvenience this work will cause and would like to thank the local community, including road users, for their continued support and patience," project manager Nicola Eastwell said.

Full closures and timings

From Saturday 26 September to Monday 28 September:

The M60 westbound will be closed from 20:00 on Saturday to 6:00 on Monday

The M60 eastbound will be closed from 22:00 on Saturday to 06:00 on Monday

From Saturday 10 October to Monday 12 October

The M60 westbound will be closed from 22:00 on Saturday to 06:00 on Monday

The M60 eastbound will be closed from 23:59 on Saturday to 06:00 on Monday

Diversions and speed restrictions

There will be clearly signposted diversion routes during the closures

Further information about these routes can be found on the National Highways website

There will be a 50mph restricted speed limit in place throughout the works

'Plan your journey'

National Highways said the dates of the works had been "carefully chosen to reduce the impact on road users as much as possible".

But delays to journeys are still expected, it said, urging motorists to "plan ahead, allow extra time and, where possible, avoid the M60 between junctions 17 and 18 during the closures".

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.