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M62 - Your Local History
A lot of finds were uncovered during the archaeological evaluation carried out for the M62 Junction 6 Improvement scheme so we thought it would be nice to provide an interactive website so you can see what we found.
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Better information for your journey
The National Traffic Control Centre collects real-time information on road conditions
Quick Links
Don't Cross or Walk Along Motorways
The Highways Agency aims to make more people aware of the dangers of walking or crossing our motorway. We have launched a poster and radio campaign aimed at 16-25yr olds. Hopefully with our hard hitting posters, our message will come across.
Meet the Ancestors
Find out about the history of roads and the work the Agency does to preserve archaeological remains.
See when traffic will be lightest
Our traffic forecaster can help get you there quicker
Main Types of Signals and Signs
The Highways Agency uses a combination of different types of signs and signals to provide information to drivers. Below is a brief summary of the types of VMS you may see on the HA network.
Signs (VMS that display text based information)
EMS (Enhanced Message Sign)
- Can be mounted either on cantilever posts or alongside Gantry Mounted Signals
- Display information about incidents and hazards
- 2 lines of 12 or 16 characters are used for tactical messages and 3 lines of 12 or 18 characters are used for strategic messages.
These legends inform motorists of the reason why the signals have been set.
MS2 (Message Sign Mark 2)
- Mounted on cantilever posts
- Display information about incidents, hazards and campaigns
- Usually a VMS with 2 lines of 12 characters, together with an enhanced matrix indicator (EMI), which is a slightly larger Matrix Signal
- Now obsolete - replaced with MS3 for new installations
MS3 (Message Sign Mark 3)
- Mounted on Cantilever Posts only
- Display information about incidents, hazards, campaigns and restrictions and can include a matrix signal aspect
- 2 lines of 16 characters or 3 lines of 18 characters
MS4 (Message Sign Mark 4)
MS4s are a recent introduction to the network. They allow pictograms, which are a graphical representation of a message, to be displayed to drivers.
For further information regarding the use of pictograms please read the 'Pictograms on the Network' section of this website.
Signals (VMS that display graphical or numerical based information)
Central Reserve Post-mounted Signals (Matrix Signals)
- Caters for up to 3-lane motorways and major trunk roads
- Spaced at 3km intervals
- Limited to display advisory fog warnings, speed restrictions and lane closures with amber flashing warning lanterns
Slip Road Post-mounted Signals
- Normally situated in pairs at entry slip roads
- Similar to matrix signals; displays advisory fog warnings, speed restrictions and lane closures with amber flashing lanterns
- Additional function to display red lanterns to allow mandatory closures of slip roads only
Gantry Mounted Signals
- Allows flexibility for individual lane signaling (display applies to the lane below each signal)
- Displays advisory fog warnings, speed restrictions, lane closures and lane diversions
- Can display red "X" and red flashing lanterns to provide a mandatory "stop" signal
- Spaced at 1km intervals
