Full Breakdown
Simister Island Closure Triggers Gridlock for Local Residents
By Drooid · · How we work
Scheduled Weekend Shutdown
The M60 at Simister Island will be closed from 10 p.m. on Saturday October 10 until 6 a.m. on Monday, as part of an ongoing upgrade programme. National Highways has warned motorists to expect delays of up to four hours. The closure follows a previous weekend shutdown on 26-27 September during which two concrete gantries were removed, a task National Highways described as “successfully completed well within schedule.”
Upgrade Programme Background
Simister Island is a key junction on the M60, handling more than 90,000 vehicles daily and forming part of the M62 corridor that links the ports of Liverpool and Hull. The multi-year scheme, slated to run until 2030, will expand the motorway to five lanes in each direction and add a new loop road to reduce the need for vehicles to navigate the roundabout. Four large concrete gantries that carry signage over the M60 are being removed as part of the works, with additional overnight closures anticipated to achieve average speeds of 50 mph.
Impact on Residents and Traffic Flow
Old Hall Lane, a cul-de-sac situated a short distance from junction 19 (Heaton Park), is directly affected. Residents report that the closure forces thousands of motorists onto residential streets, turning quiet neighbourhoods into bottlenecks. One 74-year-old resident, who has lived on the lane for two decades, described the situation as “feeling trapped” and noted that the disruption may influence a decision to sell the property.
A 44-year-old neighbour, living on the street since 2012, said the motorway “needs upgrading” but expressed resignation, adding that the closure prevents trips to Bury Market. Another resident, Michelle Smith, expects the inconvenience to worsen over the next three years but hopes the upgrades will ultimately improve traffic conditions.
Neil recounted a previous closure: “It took us through Prestwich to avoid the closure and we were stationary for 20 minutes at one point, we got sent up all these residential roads not meant for traffic. It does affect me ‘cause I work in Bury. And it means I won’t see my grandchildren this weekend as they live in New Moston.” He remains cautiously supportive, stating that if the upgrades succeed he will be pleased, though he notes current lighting is poor.
Official Statements & Responses
National Highways also advised drivers to avoid the area where possible and to plan alternative routes.
Verbatim Quote
- “It took us through Prestwich to avoid the closure and we were stationary for 20 minutes at one point, we got sent up all these residential roads not meant for traffic. It does affect me ‘cause I work in Bury. And it means I won’t see my grandchildren this weekend as they live in New Moston.” — Neil
What’s Next
The next gantry removal is scheduled for the October 10-12 weekend closure. National Highways has indicated that further overnight works will continue throughout the upgrade period, with the aim of completing the full scheme by 2030. Residents are advised to monitor official communications for updates on future closures and traffic advisories.