Further improvements for M62 pinch points
The Highways Agency will be carrying out further improvements on the M62 aimed at cutting congestion and improving journeys for drivers near Castleford in West Yorkshire.
Work will begin later this month on two pinch point schemes, totalling an investment of £3.22million, which will see improvements made to the M62 junction 31 and 32 eastbound exit slip roads and mainline approaches. Work to increase capacity at the junctions by widening the exit slip roads will begin on 30 June and be completed by the end of December.
Pinch point schemes provide smaller scale improvements that can deliver big returns by easing congestion and making journey times more reliable for road users, including hauliers and commuters to help boost local economies and drive economic growth.
Highways Agency Service Delivery Team Leader, Roger Wantling, said:
These schemes will improve the exit arrangements at junction 31 and junction 32 on the M62 eastbound carriageway, which are currently affected by congestion during peak hours with traffic backing up to the M62 mainline at both locations. Once complete they will cut congestion and reduce journey times at these junctions. This will be beneficial for the local economies and also improve safety for drivers.
The schemes will be constructed in conjunction with the pinch point technology improvement scheme already taking place between junctions 30 and 32. For the work to be carried out safely the current traffic management between these junctions including temporary safety barriers, 50mph average speed cameras, hard shoulder closures and narrow lanes will be extended along the junction 31 and 32 exit slip roads. There will be night time lane closures and occasional full eastbound exit slip road closures with diversions in place via M62 junction 33.
The work is part of a £317million pinch point improvement programme designed to boost local economies, reduce congestion and improve safety on the strategic road network in England. The programme is part of the UK Government’s growth initiative, outlined during the Chancellors Autumn Statement in November 2011.
There are 15 Highways Agency pinch point schemes, totalling an investment of over £37million, taking place in Yorkshire and Humber.
Further information is available on the project pages of the Highways Agency’s website. Information on the Pinch Point programme can also be found on the Highways Agency’s website.
These schemes are part of a major programme of road improvements planned in Yorkshire and Humber, with the region benefiting from over £550 million of investments beginning this year.
General enquiries
Members of the public should contact the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.
Media enquiries
Journalists should contact the Highways Agency press office on 0844 693 1448 and use the menu to speak to the most appropriate press officer.