M62

The UK’s Highway Agency is planning to begin key technology improvements along the M62 between junction 30 (Rothwell) and junction 32 (Castleford) in West Yorkshire, this March.

Designed to improve safety, the proposed £20m improvements will ease traffic congestion, while boosting local economy growth.

The new project is part of a major programme being carried out by the Highways Agency across the Yorkshire and Humber motorway region.

Works under the scheme will involve installation of electronic MIDAS loops, in the carriageway to detect traffic flows and provide automated warning messages to be displayed on 13 verge-mounted electronic signs.

These electronic signs show advisory speed limits as per the traffic conditions.

"The new technology will relieve congestion and improve safety on this busy section of motorway."

The scheme will also include installation of nine CCTV cameras, assisting the Highways Agency’s Regional Control Centre in Wakefield in monitoring and managing incidents as necessary.

The new technology improvement will also include six miles of fibre optic cabling to be installed between the junctions.

Highways Agency assistant project manager Thomas Howard said: "Once this work is completed the new technology will relieve congestion and improve safety on this busy section of motorway whilst providing drivers with more information."

Preparatory works on the project have already started on the motorway verges, with work scheduled to be completed by March 2015.

A part of a £317m Pinch Point improvement programme, the new project is the first of six Highways Agency Pinch Point schemes carried out on the M62.

Image: M62 Motorway in West Yorkshire. Photo: courtesy of M Evison.