SINCE the announcement in November about the roadworks across the M60 and M62, work has already begun for the improvement of traffic movement.
The latest phase of a major project to tackle congestion and improve journey times on the M60 and M62 near Manchester is now underway. However, the workforce has not been greeted by happy drivers welcoming the improvements and some drivers believe the work being done is a hindrance to regular commuters on the M62 and M60.
Highways England gave the work the ‘Go Ahead’ in November hoping that the work will equally help to reduce congestion and traffic in the long run along the two motorways.
Smart Motorway technology, such as electronic information signs and variable mandatory speed limits on the M62 will be used alongside traffic lights on the motorway link roads from the north and southbound M6.
Overnight closures between several junctions are being used 
so that contractors can carry out major overhead gantry work on longer stretches of the route. A maximum of six miles of the motorway will be closed each night, between 10pm and 6am, and clearly-signed diversions will be in place.
It is hoped that the implementation of these measures will result in the motorway being able to hold 33 per cent more vehicles, and will mean that there is more space for vehicles to navigate; the success of this project will be a huge step forward for Highways England.
Once complete the smart motorway will increase capacity on this section of the motorway by a third, making journeys quicker and more reliable.
However, drivers travelling along the M62 however will have to bear in mind that there will be closures during the night in order to permit for these renovations to take place.
The road works on the M62 are up there with stubbing your toe and herpes for "things that ruin your day" ?
— Richard Kirkwood (@Rich_Kirkwood) February 12, 2017
And it seems that the roadworks have become more of problem for commuters, especially during rush hour.
What's up with the M62 traffic today? I got from home to @CoRMirfield in only 50 minutes. Has the Rapture happened and I'm left behind?
— David Walker (@BishManchester) February 21, 2017
@HighwaysNWEST @NWmwaypolice why is there a 50mph limit on the #m6 between the m62 entry/exists when roadworks are only on the slip roads
— Dave Pakeman (@davepakey71) February 22, 2017
Highways England have not given a statement or commented about the motorways and the increased amount of congestion because of the road works. They aren’t totally ignoring the public’s voice on social media and have been giving drivers advice through twitter, even if it is very vague.
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