Plans to ease motorway congestion

The M62 motorway at Heywood

Congestion on the M62 between Rochdale and Heywood could be eased as part of government plans.

Hard shoulder running is to be introduced to the motorway between junctions 18 and 20, with work due to start in March 2012.

Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon said: “We have successfully and safely opened up the motorway hard shoulder on the M42 at busy times, giving us confidence that we can do the same elsewhere on the network.

“This will deliver more reliable journey times and add a third more capacity at a lower cost than a more conventional road widening scheme, and with fewer environmental impacts.

“The investment package will also fund more conventional widening projects as well as junction improvements and other innovative projects to tackle congestion.”