Exhibition on Motorway Scheme

Rochdale Borough Council is urging residents and commuters to attend an event being held by the Highways Agency to discuss the introduction of the north west’s first Smart Motorway between the M60 junction 8 and M62 junction 20.

The Public Information Exhibition takes place at the Mercure Norton Grange Hotel, on Manchester Road, Rochdale, on Friday 27 June, from 11am to 7pm. On display will be detailed designs, as well as information on the building of the project and chance to meet members of the project team to ask questions.

Councillor Jacqui Beswick, Cabinet Member for Housing and Environment, said: “This is the chance for residents and commuters to find out as much about the scheme as possible and how it will affect them.”

The Manchester Smart Motorway scheme is designed to alleviate congestion by using smart technology to manage traffic and help make journeys more reliable. The scheme will use variable speeds, traffic detection loops, overhead signs and CCTV to tackle congestion in the areas, as well as creating additional capacity between M62 junctions 18 and 20 by turning the hard shoulder into a permanent running lane. Construction is due to start later in the summer.

Drivers should plan ahead for their journeys as this major improvement scheme will create disruption while the work is undertaken, with road works and traffic management on section of the motorway, including temporary speed limits enforced by average speed cameras, narrow lanes, lane closures, full closures and diversions. Some work can only be carried out at night which may cause some disruption to nearby residents.

Information about the scheme is also available on the Highways Agency website on www.highways.gov.uk/manchestersmartmotorways. The scheme allows people to register for email alerts when new content is added. Additionally, people can find out more on Facebook by searching for 'Smart Motorways Manchester'.