Major Simister Island Improvement Scheme Begins as Motorists Prepare for Long-Term Construction Programme

Construction activity has commenced on a major upgrade of the Simister Island interchange north of Manchester, marking the start of a multi-year programme designed to improve capacity and reduce congestion at one of the busiest motorway junctions in the North West.

The project will transform Junction 18 of the M60, where the M60, M62 and M66 converge, with National Highways aiming to improve traffic flow, enhance safety and reduce delays for thousands of daily road users.

Significant Changes Planned

The improvement scheme includes the construction of a new northern loop road that will allow many vehicles to bypass the existing signal-controlled roundabout, helping to reduce traffic queues and improve journey reliability.

In addition, sections of the M60 between Junctions 17 and 18 will be widened to provide five lanes in each direction, creating additional capacity on a stretch of motorway that experiences heavy traffic volumes throughout the day.

The overall investment is expected to cost between £255 million and £296 million and has been identified as a key infrastructure project for Greater Manchester and the wider region.

Early Safety Works Now Underway

Preparatory works have already begun, with contractors installing temporary traffic management measures ahead of the main construction programme.

Recent overnight motorway closures enabled the installation of new safety barriers, updated road markings and average speed enforcement cameras around the interchange.

According to National Highways, these measures are intended to protect both road users and construction teams while helping to manage traffic during the delivery of the scheme.

The organisation acknowledged that some disruption and additional noise may be experienced by nearby residents during the works but said efforts would be made to minimise impacts wherever possible.

Completion Expected by 2030

The project is anticipated to continue for several years, with completion currently targeted for 2030.

Given the scale and complexity of the works, motorists can expect a lengthy period of construction activity and changing traffic management arrangements as different phases are delivered.

National Highways has emphasised that extensive planning has been undertaken to reduce disruption as much as possible while maintaining safety throughout the programme.

Addressing a Long-Standing Bottleneck

Simister Island has long been recognised as one of the most congested and strategically important motorway interchanges in northern England.

The junction plays a crucial role in connecting Greater Manchester with Yorkshire, Lancashire and the wider motorway network, carrying significant volumes of commuter, freight and long-distance traffic.

Transport planners believe the improvements will deliver long-term benefits by increasing capacity, reducing congestion and creating a more reliable route through the interchange.

The scheme received formal backing from the Department for Transport last year and is now moving into the construction phase after years of planning and development work.

Once completed, the upgraded junction is expected to provide a safer and more efficient transport corridor, supporting economic activity and improving journey times across the region.