Traffic lights are to be trialed at Worsley Courthouse roundabout and the nearby Worsley Interchange in a bid to improve traffic flow for the more than 14,000 vehicles that pass through it at peak times.
The lights are set to be placed on Worsley Brow, just south of where the M60 crosses the junction overhead from Tuesday 21 February.
The trial is set to last up to six months, with the lights being monitored through cameras and sensors in the roadways.
After the morning rush, the lights will be activated if queues begin to build on Worsley Road (A572) and Barton Road (B5211) and will operate into the evening peak period before being switched off again.
The lights will briefly pause traffic from Boothstown, Walkden and the M60 slip road to allow vehicles on Worsley Road and Barton Road to safely join the roundabout.
Councillor Mike McCusker, lead member for planning and sustainable neighbourhoods, said: “These roads and roundabouts were built when there was far less traffic overall and were never designed to cope with the volume of traffic they handle today.
“Remodelling work to manage a two percent increase in traffic due to the new RHS garden has helped but hasn’t solved the problem for drivers trying to get onto the roundabout from Worsley and Eccles. The new traffic lights should allow them to join the roundabout more easily and safely.
“The lights will be closely monitored and adjusted as needed but it may take a little time to match the sequencing to the best traffic flow. I’d ask motorists to bear with it while this trial beds in. Data will be collected throughout the trial to see what impact the lights have on traffic flow.”
If the trial proves successful, permanent lights could replace the temporary lights, subject to funding.
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