Work on a new concrete safety barrier along the M62 in Greater Manchester – accelerated for delivery as part of the Department for Transport’s £700 million fiscal stimulus package – is to begin later this month.
The £6.58m Highways Agency scheme is taking place on a two-mile stretch between junctions 11 and 12 of the motorway near Irlam between Sunday November 22 and late March of next year.
The work includes replacing the steel central reservation barrier with a safer, concrete barrier. The new barriers are stronger and more robust – reducing the risk of vehicles involved in accidents crossing from one side of the motorway to the other and improving the safety of road users and road workers. The barriers are also unlikely to require repairs after vehicle impact.
The programme also includes associated drainage works and some renewal of steel barriers in the motorway verge.
Transport Minister Chris Mole said:
“The Government is committed to ‘Building Britain’s Future’ and bringing forward infrastructure investment wherever possible to help stimulate the economy.
“Fiscal stimulus funding from the Department for Transport will enable the Highways Agency to deliver £400 million of accelerated works this financial year with the M62 in Greater Manchester just one part of the North West’s motorway and trunk road network to benefit. These improvements will mean safer journeys for motorists using this busy stretch of the M62.”
Matt Sweeting, Highways Agency Regional Performance Manager, said:
“We welcome the opportunity to bring forward this barrier renewal scheme for the M62 west of Manchester. It will provide a better, safer driving environment for customers using this stretch of the motorway.”
Around 120,000 vehicles use this part of the motorway each day but work will be carried out mostly at night – and three lanes in each direction will remain open between 5am and 10pm each day. Lane closures will only take place outside these hours with the possibility of hard shoulder running only at times.
Residents living at the Irlam estate south of the motorway have been advised in advance of the works and told what steps contractors will be taking to keep noise levels to a minimum.
At all times a 50mph speed limit, enforced by average speed cameras, will be in place throughout the four miles of traffic management north of Irlam.
The speed limit will be in place to ensure the safety of road users and workforce. Drivers are advised to approach these roadworks with care and allow extra time for their journeys.