M62 improvements start next week

The £20 million pinch point scheme is designed to improve safety and relieve congestion.

Work will take place on week days, during 10 hour shifts but there will be the need for occasional night time and weekend work.

During the work the hard shoulder will be closed and three narrow lanes of traffic will be maintained.

A 50mph speed limit will be in place throughout the work.

Highways Agency, Assistant Project Manager, Thomas Howard, said: “We advise drivers to check local traffic conditions and leave extra time for their journeys if necessary.”

The work involves installing electronic loops (known as MIDAS loops) to detect traffic flows. The loops detect when traffic is slowing down and automatically set warning messages to advise drivers of queues ahead.

These messages will be displayed on 13 verge-mounted electronic signs – which will also be installed as part of the scheme - and are accompanied by advisory speed limits to ensure drivers adjust their speeds according to the traffic conditions.

Nine CCTV cameras will also be installed to allow the Highways Agency’s Regional Control Centre in Wakefield to monitor and manage incidents as necessary.

The cameras will not be used for speed enforcement.