£1.5bn to smarten up roads network

NORTH West motorists are set to benefit from the biggest shake up of the region’s roads in 50 years.

Highways England will invest £1.5 billion over the next five years to convert almost 80 miles of the region’s motorways to “smart” operation.

Work will start on seven new smart motorway projects by 2020, as well as the project currently changing the M62 and M60, aimed at cutting congestion and improving journey times.

Two of the schemes on the M62 will link with existing projects to create the biggest single stretch of smart motorway in the country, covering nearly 60 miles between the North-West and Yorkshire.

Other major schemes include bypasses on the A556, A585 and A57, new motorway junctions on the M55 and M56, and junction upgrades on the M6.

Smart systems often use the existing hard shoulder as a fourth lane, with traffic flow controlled and speed regulated by electronic signage to keep traffic moving.

During 2015/16, 130 miles of lanes on motorways and major A roads will be resurfaced, 40 miles of safety barriers will be installed and 2,900 lighting columns will be upgraded.