Story perspectives

M60 Simister Island Closure Brings Delays Up to Four Hours

By Drooid · Oct 11, 2026, 10:45 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

National Highways Closes M60

National Highways will close the M60 at Simister Island from 10 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, until 6 a.m. on Monday.
National Highways warned motorists to expect delays of up to four hours.
Thousands of motorists will use Old Hall Lane as a cut-through, creating bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Congestion appeared on Middleton Road in Prestwich when the M60 closure began.
Residents of Old Hall Lane expressed frustration and resignation over the repeated gridlock.

Summary

Resident Threatens Sale

A 74-year-old resident says the closure may force them to list their home for sale.
Michelle Smith, 45, recalled previously arguing with police to access her own street during events.
One resident claimed the works could have been completed overnight, criticizing the planning timeline.
A commentator warned readers not to let an algorithm decide Manchester news and urged adding the MEN source.

Summary

M60 Upgrade Scheduled

The upgrade will expand the M60 to five lanes in each direction by 2030.
A new loop road will eliminate the need to change at the roundabout.
Four massive concrete gantries carrying motorway signage will be removed during construction.
Average speeds after completion are expected to reach 50 mph.
The scheme aims to ease chronic daily congestion backing up off the motorway.

History

Historical Context

The M25 opened in 1986, but traffic quickly outstripped its three-lane design, reaching about 200,000 vehicles per day by 1993 (design 88,000). This overload spurred successive widening—four-lane upgrades from 1990, a £580 million DBFO contract in 2009, and smart-motorway conversions in 2013-14. The current M60 Simister Island closure echoes the same pattern of congestion-driven upgrades planned through 2030.

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National Highways Closes M60

National Highways will close the M60 at Simister Island from 10 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, until 6 a.m. on Monday.
National Highways warned motorists to expect delays of up to four hours.
Thousands of motorists will use Old Hall Lane as a cut-through, creating bumper-to-bumper traffic.
Congestion appeared on Middleton Road in Prestwich when the M60 closure began.
Residents of Old Hall Lane expressed frustration and resignation over the repeated gridlock.

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