New video puts spotlight on M62 changes aimed at cutting chaos

The YouTube video by the Highways Agency, made in response to comments from the public, says that the hi-tech system to control traffic flow over a 15-mile stretch of the M62 in West Yorkshire should be up and running by next October.

The project, under construction between Brighouse and Rothwell, near Leeds, will use 52 overhead gantries with electronic signs to display changeable speed limits and open hard shoulders to drivers during busy periods.

More than half of the work on the project between junctions 25 and 30 has now been delivered after it was started in October last year.

Project manager David Pilsworth said: “We do understand the frustration that large roadworks projects such as this can cause, but we hope road users have a greater understanding of the work we’re doing, what they need to do when driving through our roadworks, such as driving within the speed limit and having enough fuel to reduce the risk of their vehicle breaking down, and the ultimate benefits that the new motorway will bring.”

The M62 is one of the most congested routes in the country, with more than 144,000 vehicles using it every day.

Members of the Highways Agency’s construction team feature in the four-and-a-half-minute film, answering questions like ‘Why are roadworks taking so long?’ and ‘Why can’t I see anyone working?’.

There are currently carriageway closures on weeknights, from 8pm to 6am, between junctions 28 and 29, with only one carriageway closed at a time. It is closed most Saturday nights between junctions 29 and 30, from 8pm to 9am.

Visit www.youtube.com/watch?v=qnolKc6Cz5Q to view the video or www.highways.gov.uk for more details.