A closure of the M60 around Simister Island caused widespread congestion across north Manchester and Prestwich earlier this week, as diverted traffic moved through residential areas.
Residents in Heaton Park and Prestwich told the Manchester Evening News that some journey times more than doubled, while others took three times longer. Motorway traffic in both directions was diverted through Prestwich Village, past Heaton Park and along Middleton Road before rejoining the M60.
Gantries removed during closure
National Highways said the closure enabled contractors to remove five overhead gantries as part of the Simister Island upgrade. The route carries an estimated 90,000 vehicles a day.
The scheme includes widening the motorway and adding a loop lane intended to reduce the number of vehicles using the traffic-controlled roundabout linking the M60, M62 and M66.
Works are expected to be completed by 2029, at an estimated cost of almost £300m. National Highways said the project is intended to reduce congestion and journey times at the junction, while supporting future housing, employment and economic growth across the city region.
Nicola Eastwell, National Highways project manager, said: “The M60 Simister Island scheme will create extra capacity, improve traffic flows and support future housing, employment and economic growth across the city region.
“The removal of these gantries is an important next step in delivering the scheme. We understand the inconvenience this work will cause and would like to thank the local community, including road users, for their continued support and patience while we complete this work.”
A further full closure is scheduled from Saturday 10 October to Monday 12 October.