What is happening?
We are proposing to improve the capacity of the M60 between Junctions 8 and 12 by making it a "managed motorway" between junctions 10a and 13. Managed motorways help relieve congestion by using technology to vary speed limits. They also allow the hard shoulder to be used as a running lane at peak times to create additional capacity. They deliver these benefits at a significantly lower cost than conventional motorway widening and with less impact on the environment during construction. Find out more about Managed Motorways.

The proposed option is to implement hard shoulder running over the 4 miles with a reduced speed limit for the entire stretch of the M60 between Junctions 8 and 12. The proposals include lengths of narrow lanes to avoid expensive structural works and can be achieved without land take.

When and where is this happening?
In the October 2010 Spending Review, the Chancellor announced that the M60 J8 to 12 managed motorway scheme will be prepared for start of construction before 2015, subject to the outcome of statutory processes.

Alongside the Budget announcement on the 21st March 2012, the Government confirmed that this scheme is planned to commence in financial year 2014/15. For more information please visit our Current Delivery Programme page.

This project is located on the South West M60 Manchester Ring road between Junctions 8 and 12.

Why is the scheme needed?
The M60 plays a major role (i) as a national artery providing a direct motorway route between the East and the West; and (ii) as a major inter-urban regional route connecting two major conurbations and providing access to two important international gateways.

The March 2008 'Advanced motorway signalling and traffic management feasibility study' also identified these motorway links (M60 J8 to J12) as a priority for the provision of additional capacity and Ministers agreed that hard shoulder running as an alternative to widening should be investigated.

How will the scheme be carried out?
Throughout the development of the Scheme it will be taken through a series of stages (options, development and Construction), to ensure it remains viable and in line with the initial requirements. During each stage the necessary assessments will be undertaken, and authorisations gained to progress on to the next stage.

The M60 Junction 8 to 12 is a scheme that is currently in the Options Phase.

How will this impact my journey?
The start of construction is expected to begin by 2015. Further details will be published as and when they become known.

How will this be of benefit to road users?
Once this project has been completed, the M60 Junction 8 to 12 is expected to support and enhance the role of the current M60 J8 to J12, a major national and inter-urban regional transport artery by:

• Relieving congestion
• Improve journey time reliability by improving and better managing traffic flow conditions
• Improve safety by reducing driver stress and improving geometrical design features which are significantly below-standard where appropriate and taking into account of value for money
• Protect the built and natural environment through mitigating the potentially adverse impact of adding additional capacity, meeting current environmental standards and taking opportunities to enhance poor environmental features where appropriate and taking into account value for money
• Support sustainable economic activity
• Identify the scope for improving access to facilities for those without a car and reducing severance
• Deliver the scheme in a way which supports the delivery of the Government's transport policy objectives