Major M60 safety works to last until August 2025

Thursday, 8 May 2025 22:16

By David Murphy

Essential safety improvements on the M60 motorway between junctions 16 and 18 are set to last until August 2025, National Highways has announced.

A 24-hour 50mph speed restriction and narrow lanes will be in place in both directions for the duration of the works, which begin this Monday. The scheme involves installing a new concrete central reservation safety barrier along a busy section of the motorway near Prestwich.

Traffic management will run from junction 16 at Clifton to just east of junction 17, close to Simister Island. While the majority of the construction will take place overnight from Monday to Friday, daytime works are also expected. National Highways has warned drivers to expect some delays and allow additional time for their journeys.

To reduce the impact of disruption, National Highways is coordinating this project with planned resurfacing works around junction 17. This includes improvements to slip roads and a separate scheme by Bury Council to upgrade the roundabout at the same junction.

The resurfacing work is scheduled to involve overnight closures for three weeks between Monday 16 June and Friday 4 July. Diversions will be in place and clearly signed during these closures.

A spokesperson for National Highways said: “We are working hard to deliver this essential upgrade while minimising the impact on drivers and nearby communities. However, there will be some disruption and we appreciate the public’s patience while we carry out this important safety improvement.”

The upgrade is part of an ongoing effort to improve motorway safety across Greater Manchester’s network. The use of concrete barriers in central reservations has become standard in major upgrades due to their increased durability and ability to reduce the severity of collisions.

Motorists are urged to plan ahead, particularly during peak times and overnight closures. Minor delays are expected throughout the duration of the project.