The significant transformation of a key M60 motorway junction is set to proceed.
Five lanes of traffic and a new link road will be established at Junction 18 in an effort to alleviate congestion, following the confirmation of funding by the Department for Transport (DfT).
Long earmarked for substantial change under National Highways proposals, the Simister Island interchange, which links the M60, M62 and M66 motorways, has long been due a revamp.
READ MORE: {}
The project, estimated to cost between £207m and £340m, aims to reduce congestion, improve journey times and create a safer route through one of the North West's busiest motorway junctions.
The scheme would see the construction of a 'northern loop' to prevent thousands of vehicles from using the current traffic light controlled roundabout daily. A five-lane section on both sides of the M60 between Prestwich and Simister (junctions 17 and 18) has also been proposed.
The M66 on the Bury side of the junction would also be widened with new lanes introduced at the interchange and a second lane added from the M60 northbound link.
Progress on the plan was halted last year when the Transport Secretary called for a spending review into all their major road schemes. However, DfT confirmed today (July 8) that the Simister Island project is one of several road and rail upgrades now agreed for funding.
Once planning approval has been granted and work commences, the large-scale scheme is expected to support 20,000 new jobs and 7,000 new homes.
Most Read
The Atom Valley project in the Rochdale and Bury area is set to receive a significant lift from the project. The proposed new junction is expected to catalyse the development zone, which could create over 20,000 high-quality jobs and contribute a £1bn economic uplift to Rochdale and Bury.
Discussions about additional junction improvements to support Atom Valley, such as a new junction on the M62 at Birch Services, have taken place between local leaders and the Department for Transport (DfT), but these would be separate from the Simister Island project and are still ongoing.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "Transport is the backbone of our economy, which is why we are giving them the record funding boost they need, putting taxpayers' money where it matters most and making everyday journeys easier.
"With over £92 billion investment, including the biggest ever boost for city regions in the north and Midlands, we're delivering the schemes that fast-track economic growth and jobs, connect communities, and will help us build 1.5 million new homes, as we deliver our Plan for Change.
"We're forging ahead with the vital new transport infrastructure Britain needs, and improving what we've already got, to deliver a new era of renewal and opportunity."