The M60 at Simister Island has been closed in both directions between junctions 17 and 18 since Saturday night (October 10), causing significant congestion in the Prestwich area. The motorway remained shut throughout Sunday, with the westbound carriageway and eastbound closure expected to stay closed until 6am on Monday (October 12).
Essential works between junctions 17 and 18
The closure is part of the Simister Island project, which is set to last until 2030. The scheme aims to ease congestion at the junction, one of the busiest in the North West. Works include upgrading the M60 to five lanes in both directions and constructing a new loop road.
Disruption and diversions in Prestwich
Images captured by Jason Roberts for the Manchester Evening News show empty stretches of the M60 between junctions 17 and 18, long queues of traffic crawling towards the junction, and cars lined up on Bury New Road. Police have been rerouting motorists in the Prestwich area, with full diversions in place and clear signposting.
Although the works are necessary, they have caused huge inconvenience for drivers using the busy junction. The project is expected to be complete in 2030.
