Leaders: We'll reap benefits of multi-million m-way project

POLITICAL leaders say Rochdale is in line to reap the rewards of a huge multi million pound Simister Island project.

- BY GEORGE LYTHGOE

The government has officially signed off on agreeing funding for the major M60 junction, which connects the M60, M62 and M66 motorways.

The scheme - estimated to cost between £207m and £340m - aims to reduce congestion, improve journey times and create a safer route through what is one of the north west's busiest motorway junctions.

The project would see a 'northern loop' built to stop thousands of vehicles using the current traffic light controlled roundabout every day.

A five-lane section on both sides of the M60 between Prestwich and Simister (junctions 17 and 18) has been touted as well.

The M66 on the Bury side of the junction would also be widened with new lanes introduced at the interchange and a second lane added from the M60 northbound link.

Progress on the plan was stalled last year when the Transport Secretary called for a spending review into all their major road schemes. But now funding has been confirmed by the Department for Transport (DfT).