DRIVERS are being urged to plan ahead as a major motorway closure is set to cause significant delays this weekend.
The M60 will be shut in both directions between junctions 17 and 18 from tomorrow, Saturday, until Monday.
This is to allow for the removal of motorway gantries at Simister Island, as part of a wider National Highways project to improve journey times.
Francis Oliver, senior project manager at National Highways, said: "This is a vital scheme for the north west.
"Simister Island is used by more than 90,000 vehicles every day, and the M62 corridor is a major trade route between the port cities of Liverpool and Hull.
"Improvements include upgrading the M60 to five lanes in both directions and constructing a new loop road so fewer drivers will need to use the island.
"This will create additional capacity, improve traffic flows and reduce congestion.
"We appreciate that this closure will cause disruption and would like to thank everyone for their continued patience and understanding while we carry out this essential work."
The closure is needed to safely remove four large concrete gantries, which support motorway signage and have reached the end of their operational life.
Two gantries were successfully removed during a previous closure on September 26 and 27.
The gantries, which each weigh between 90 and 120 tonnes, are up to 33.25 metres long and 7 metres high.
One steel gantry will also be taken down during this weekend’s works.
The westbound anticlockwise M60 will close from 10pm on Saturday until 6am on Monday.
The eastbound clockwise carriageway will close from 11.59pm on Saturday until 6am on Monday.
Clearly signposted diversions will be in place throughout the closure.
National Highways is working with emergency services and partners to keep disruption to a minimum.
The wider improvement scheme includes expanding the M60 to five lanes in both directions between junctions 17 and 18, building a new loop road, and upgrading the Haweswater underpass.
The goal is to reduce congestion, improve journey times and support future housing, employment and economic growth across Greater Manchester.
Preparatory works have been underway since June, with a main works compound now operational at junction 19 of the M60.
A 50mph speed limit, reduced-width lanes and average speed cameras are already in place to protect drivers and workers.
A free vehicle recovery service is also available within the construction zones.
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