Smart way to tackle motorway delays

THE motorway sections covered by the plans

“SMART” motorways designed to cut congestion are to be introduced in Greater Manchester — the first in the North-West.

The technology will be introduced on a 17-mile stretch of the network between Junction 8 of the M60 near Sale and Junction 20 of the M62 near Rochdale. These sections are used by more than 180,000 vehicles a day, with heavy congestion at peak times.

The smart system monitors traffic flow and imposes variable speed limits to control congestion.

The system can also offer more capacity by permanently using the hard shoulder as an extra lane, with the creation of new refuge areas for emergencies. Overhead signs are used to close lanes to allow emergency vehicles through.

Work is due to start in summer 2014 and to be completed in 2016-17. For more information visit the website www.highways.gov.uk/manchestersmartmotorways