M62 hard shoulder plan

New congestion-busting measures will allow motorists to use the hard shoulder on the M62 at peak times.

The plans, part of a national £2 billion Government scheme, will give commuters an extra lane to use between Junction 20 (Rochdale) and Junction 18 (M60) at Middleton.

But it could be 2015 before the four-mile Rochdale section becomes operational.

Transport Minister Chris Mole said: “Managed motorways use a range of innovative technology to improve traffic flow during busy periods.

“Features such as variable speed limits and opening up the hard shoulder to traffic at peak times provide more reliable journey times, reduced congestion and safer journeys.”