A £7m pilot scheme to cut congestion on the M62 could see motorway-to-motorway slip roads across the country start to use smart technology.
This means drivers could see electronic information signs and variable mandatory speed limits used alongside existing traffic lights on motorway link roads.
Smart motorway approach
Highways England announced that work is to start next month on the pilot scheme at Croft Interchange - where junction 21a of the M6 meets junction 10 of the M62 - to improve journeys along the eastbound M62.
The Government-owned motorway operator also revealed that large elements of the pilot project will also form part of the permanent M62 junction 10 to junction 12 smart motorway system between Warrington and Manchester - due to start construction during 2018/2019.
Andy Withington, Highways England’s programme delivery manager for the North West, said: ‘This is an opportunity to combine existing technology and traffic management systems in a novel way to see whether we can give drivers using the frequently congested eastbound M62 lower journey times during peak hours and smoother, more reliable journeys.
‘The system should be up and running by next summer and we will be monitoring its use over a period of up to a year. If it is successful – and we believe it will be – it could well be used on other motorway to motorway slip roads across the country.’
The 8-month construction period for the pilot scheme will see work mostly carried out at night to minimise disruption, with occasional overnight carriageway closures for large work such as gantry installations.
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