Traffic lights trialled on motorway to fight jams

Traffic lights could be installed across the motorway network if a new trial proves successful.

Highways England will introduce traffic lights on the link road where junction 21a of the M6 meets junction 10 of the M62 near Warrington, Cheshire. It will combine with variable speed limits on the M62 “to provide smoother traffic flows” as part of a £7 million project.

Andy Withington, Highways England’s programme delivery manager for the north-west, said: “This is an opportunity to combine existing technology and traffic management systems in a novel way to see whether we can give drivers using the frequently congested eastbound M62 lower journey times during peak hours, and smoother, more reliable journeys.”

While traffic lights are used on some slip roads to manage traffic entering motorways, this is the first time they have been used on a motorway to motorway link road. Traffic leaving the M6 will be monitored and controlled to minimise queuing on the M62, and Withington said that the system could be used elsewhere if it proves successful.

He added: “The key aim of the project is to test the novel technology introduced through this pilot project and tackle congestion at peak travel times, especially during the morning rush hour.

“The link road traffic lights won’t be on all of the time, being limited to the morning peak, but the variable speed limit signs on the M62 eastbound will be working all the time when traffic conditions dictate.”

The project is being funded through the £150 million innovation fund, which is part of the £15 billion Highways England was allocated by the government in its 2015 to 2020 Road Investment Strategy.