New M62 speed signs are switched-on

New mandatory speed limit signs on the M62 between J27 and J28 are now operating as part of the managed motorway upgrade scheme.

Overhead electronic signs between J27 (Gildersome) and J28 (Tingley) were switched on just after 7 pm yesterday (Tues) to display variable mandatory speed limits, denoted by a red ring.

Verge and barrier-mounted temporary speed limit signs were also removed, and traffic cones are due to be removed later this week.

Due to work continuing elsewhere on the scheme, the electronic signs on this section will remain constantly illuminated until further sections of the new motorway are switched on in early summer.

The signs will display a maximum speed of 50mph for the safety of road users and road workers; although this limit may be reduced during busy periods, if needed, to help maintain traffic flow.

The signs will also be able to display lane closure information as required, such as a red ‘X’ to advise the lane is closed, or a white arrow advising drivers to move out of that lane.

Importantly, the hard shoulder is not yet available as a traffic lane, and during this phase of work, drivers will see a broken red ‘X’ over the hard shoulder. However, once the cones are lifted later this week, both the hard shoulder and the new emergency refuge areas can be used in the event of an emergency only. A free recovery service remains in place on this section and on the rest of the scheme.

Highways Agency project manager David Pilsworth said: “Having successfully completed initial testing of the electronic signs, we are now in a position to move from advisory to mandatory speed limits on this section. Coupled with the removal of signs and the lifting of traffic cones on this stretch later this week, this represents another step forward in our phased opening of the M62 managed motorway scheme.

“Although to all intents and purposes this section looks complete, work is continuing nearby on other sections of the new motorway. As a result, the signs will remain constantly illuminated for safety reasons until further sections ‘go live’ in the summer. It is vital that drivers continue to take extra care and follow the speed limits indicated.

“Once the scheme is fully open in the autumn, the signs will only be lit when required.”

Overhead electronic signs on other sections of the M62 managed motorway between J25 (Brighouse) and J30 (Rothwell) are due to be switched on in phases from the early summer, with hard shoulder running on the first sections being introduced on a trial basis later this spring.

Work continuing elsewhere on the scheme includes resurfacing, installation of traffic monitoring equipment, landscaping, signing, barrier and bridge waterproofing works. There are various overnight carriageway, lane and slip road closures at weekends and on weeknights, and narrow lanes and a 50mph speed restriction over 24 hours throughout the scheme.

The target completion date is late summer/autumn.