The Government has announced today (July 8) that it will be committing funding towards Greater Manchester’s Simister Island upgrade, an interchange which connects the M60, M62 and M66 motorways. The news comes as the Government greenlights over fifty road and rail upgrades across the country, as part of the £92bn of transport investment in the Spending Review.
Subject to planning approval, the Simister Island upgrade promises to support the North West deliver its “Places for Everyone” development plan, for more jobs, create 20,000 new jobs and enable the development of 7,000 new homes. The improvements would also provide better connectivity access to the proposed multi-modal freight interchange at Port Salford, Heywood Distribution Park and the Manchester Regional Centre commercial and residential developments.
Why does Simister Island need upgrading?
Simister Island Interchange is one of the busiest motorway junctions in the north-west used by around 90,000 vehicles each day. The project aims to improve junction 18 of the M60 and facilitate smoother flows of traffic along the connecting motorways, contributing to more reliable and safer journeys into and around Greater Manchester.
What are the improvement plans for Simister Island?
The plans to upgrade Simister Island would include:
- Construction of a new free-flow link (northern loop) from the M60 eastbound to M60 southbound carriageways.
- Realignment of the M66 southbound carriageway on the approach to the junction.
- Construction of a new two-lane free-flow road from the M60 northbound to the M60 westbound to replace the existing single-lane, and widen the M66 southbound to four lanes through junction 18.
- Conversion of the hard shoulder into a permanent traffic lane between M60 junctions 17 and 18, providing five lanes in both directions.
- Other works will include improvements to signage, signalling and drainage.
What other transport upgrades have received government funding?
Transpennine Route Upgrade
The Government has already announced £3.5bn towards the delivery of the Transpennine Route Upgrade. This rail project aims to improve connectivity and reduce journey times between Manchester and Leeds, from 55 to 41 minutes. The scheme will also deliver improved capacity at Manchester Victoria and Piccadilly stations, and a third platform at Salford Crescent, allowing for longer, more reliable, frequent services across Manchester and beyond.
A34 corridor in Stockport
Multiple improvements to the A34 corridor in Stockport will also be funded, helping improve people’s day-to-day lives by reducing traffic congestion, making journeys quicker and more reliable.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “Transport is the backbone of our economy, which is why we are giving them the record funding boost they need, putting taxpayer’s money where it matters most and making every day journeys easier.
“With over £92 billion investment, including the biggest ever boost for city regions in the North and Midlands, we’re delivering the schemes that fast-track economic growth and jobs, connect communities, and will help us build 1.5 million new homes, as we deliver our Plan for Change.
“We’re forging ahead with the vital new transport infrastructure Britain needs, and improving what we’ve already got, to deliver a new era of renewal and opportunity.”
Martin Tugwell, chief executive of Transport for the North (TfN), said: “This is great news for communities in the North, which brings forward much-needed schemes that TfN has been calling for some time.
“The A66 upgrade will bring vital new capacity to this key road artery across the North, as well bringing significant safety benefits and jobs. We also warmly welcome approval for Greater Manchester’s Simister Island scheme and the Middlewich Eastern Bypass in Cheshire, as well as funding for the new Haxby Station.
“We look forward to working with partners to make sure these schemes are delivered as soon as possible so they can start making a real difference to people’s lives.”