Motorway project is given the green light

THE significant transformation of a key M60 motorway junction is set to proceed.

- BY GEORGE LYTHGOE

Five lanes of traffic and a new link road will be established at Junction 18 in an effort to alleviate congestion, following the confirmation of funding by the Department for Transport (DfT).

Long earmarked for substantial change under National Highways proposals, the Simister Island interchange, which links the M60, M62 and M66 motorways, has long been due a revamp.

The project, estimated to cost between £207m and £340m, aims to reduce congestion, improve journey times and create a safer route through one of the North West's busiest motorway junctions.

The scheme would see the construction of a 'northern loop' to prevent thousands of vehicles from using the current traffic light controlled roundabout daily.