The M60 motorway is a 36-mile orbital motorway encircling the city of Manchester and its surrounding metropolitan boroughs in North West England. Often referred to as the Manchester Outer Ring Road, it serves as the primary distribution vein for traffic across Greater Manchester, connecting major hubs like Stockport, Oldham, Prestwich, and Sale while providing essential links to the M6, M62, and M56.
In this comprehensive guide, you will learn about the history, construction, and technical specifications of the M60. We will explore its busiest junctions, the ongoing smart motorway upgrades, and practical tips for navigating one of the UK’s most complex road networks. Whether you are a daily commuter or a visitor planning a route through the North West, this authoritative breakdown covers everything from the Barton Swing Bridge to the infamous Simister Island.
M60 Motorway: History and Development
The M60 was officially formed in 1998 by connecting several existing motorway segments into a single continuous loop. This “patchwork” origin explains why the road transitions through various styles of construction and lane widths across its 36-mile circumference.
Originally, these sections belonged to the M62, M63, and M66 motorways. By re-designating them as the M60, the Department for Transport created a unified orbital system similar to London’s M25, simplifying navigation for long-distance and local drivers alike.
Construction of the Orbital Loop
Construction of the various segments spanned over 40 years, beginning with the Stretford-Eccles bypass in 1960. This initial section was one of the first motorways in the UK, designed to alleviate extreme congestion in the industrial heart of Lancashire.
The final piece of the puzzle, the “missing link” between Middleton and Denton (Junctions 19 to 24), was completed in October 2000. This £200 million project finalized the loop, allowing for a seamless 360-degree journey around the city for the first time.
Junction 1 to 5: Stockport and South
Junctions 1 through 5 handle a significant portion of traffic traveling toward Manchester Airport and the southern suburbs. This stretch is characterized by the massive Stockport Viaduct nearby and the complex integration with the A883 and A56.
Drivers in this section often experience heavy congestion during peak hours as the road narrows near Stockport. The Pyramid building remains a landmark for travelers navigating this southern quadrant of the ring road.
Junction 6 to 9: Sale and Stretford
This western segment services the residential areas of Sale and the industrial corridors of Stretford. It serves as a vital link for those traveling from Cheshire into the city center or toward the Trafford Centre.
The area between Junction 7 and 8 is particularly prone to “stop-start” traffic due to the proximity of the Manchester United football ground (Old Trafford). Match days significantly impact flow, requiring advanced planning for non-football travelers.
Junction 10 to 12: The Trafford Centre
Junction 10 is the primary gateway to the Trafford Centre, one of the UK’s largest shopping malls. On weekends and during the Christmas period, this section sees some of the highest vehicle counts in the country.
At Junction 12, the M60 meets the M62 and M602 at the Eccles Interchange. This is a critical node for freight moving between the Port of Liverpool and the rest of the UK’s motorway network.
The Barton High Level Bridge
The Barton High Level Bridge is a defining structural feature of the M60, carrying the motorway over the Manchester Ship Canal. Rising 30 meters above the water, it allows maritime traffic to pass underneath without disrupting the flow of vehicles.
This bridge is notorious for its exposure to high winds, which can lead to lane closures or speed restrictions for high-sided vehicles. It remains a focal point for traffic reports due to its role as a bottleneck between the Trafford Centre and Eccles.
Junction 13 to 15: Worsley and Swinton
The stretch through Worsley is famous for its “Spaghetti Works” style of merging lanes. Here, the M60 shares tarmac with the M61, leading to complex lane-changing requirements for those heading toward Bolton or Preston.
Local residents often recognize this area by the distinctive orange-colored soil near the road, a result of historical iron ore mining. The environmental impact of the motorway in this densely populated area has led to extensive noise barrier installations.
Junction 18: Simister Island
Simister Island is one of the busiest and most complex motorway interchanges in the UK, connecting the M60, M62, and M66. Despite its name, it is a massive roundabout that struggles to handle the volume of traffic transitioning between the three motorways.
A multi-million-pound improvement scheme is currently being implemented to create a “free-flow” link for the busiest movements. This aims to reduce the heavy braking and congestion that currently plague this northern hub.
Junction 19 to 21: Middleton and Chadderton
Moving into the northeastern quadrant, the M60 provides essential access to the distribution centers of Middleton. This section was part of the final construction phase that completed the orbital loop in 2000.
The terrain here is more hilly than the southern sections, leading to steeper gradients that can slow down heavy goods vehicles (HGVs). This often results in a three-lane crawl during early morning delivery windows.
Junction 22 to 24: Oldham and Denton
The eastern side of the M60 services Oldham and the Tameside area. This stretch is a primary route for commuters heading into Manchester from the Pennines and West Yorkshire via the M62.
At Junction 24 (Denton Island), the M60 intersects with the M67, which heads toward Sheffield. This junction is a notorious bottleneck during the evening rush hour for those leaving the city toward the eastern suburbs.
Junction 25 to 27: Bredbury and Stockport
Completing the loop, the southeastern section passes through the steep-sided Tame Valley. This area required significant engineering to carve the motorway into the existing landscape.
The proximity of the railway line and the river makes this section narrow, with less room for lane expansion. It serves as the final link back to Junction 1, closing the 36-mile circle.
Smart Motorway Technology on the M60
Large sections of the M60 have been converted into “Smart Motorways” to manage traffic flow without the need for physical widening. This involves the use of Variable Speed Limits displayed on overhead gantries to prevent “shockwave” braking.
While controversial, the technology includes All Lane Running (ALR) in certain areas, where the hard shoulder is used as a permanent driving lane. Emergency Refuge Areas (ERAs) are placed at intervals to provide safety for broken-down vehicles.
Traffic Patterns and Peak Hours
The M60 experiences two distinct “peaks” during the weekday: 07:00 to 09:30 and 16:00 to 18:30. During these times, the average speed can drop below 20 mph in sections like the Barton Bridge or Simister Island.
Friday afternoons are historically the busiest time on the M60, as commuters mix with long-distance travelers heading to the Lake District or the coast. Real-time traffic apps are highly recommended for anyone navigating the loop during these windows.
Safety and Breakdown Procedures
Safety on the M60 is managed by National Highways, who operate a fleet of Traffic Officer vehicles to clear debris and assist with collisions. Because many sections lack a permanent hard shoulder, a “Red X” on a gantry means the lane is closed and must not be used.
If you break down on the M60, the advice is to “Go Left.” If you cannot exit the motorway, try to reach an Emergency Refuge Area or pull as close to the nearside boundary as possible, exit the vehicle via the left door, and wait behind the safety barrier.
Environmental Impact and Noise Control
As an orbital road passing through densely populated urban areas, the M60 has a significant environmental footprint. Air quality monitoring stations are positioned along the route, particularly in the South Manchester and Prestwich sections.
To combat noise pollution, extensive acoustic fencing has been installed. Furthermore, “low-noise” road surfacing (thin-surface course systems) has been applied during recent resurfacing projects to reduce the decibel levels for nearby residents.
Future Developments for the M60
Plans for the M60 focus on “de-bottlenecking” rather than total expansion. The Northern Loop project aims to improve the flow at Simister Island by adding a dedicated link road that bypasses the roundabout for M62 eastbound traffic.
Other future considerations include enhanced EV charging infrastructure at nearby service areas. As Manchester moves toward a “Clean Air Zone” model, the M60 will remain the primary boundary for many environmental regulations.
Practical Information and Planning
Opening Hours and Availability
The M60 is a public motorway and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. However, scheduled maintenance usually occurs between 22:00 and 05:00, which may result in partial closures.
Prices and Costs
There are no tolls on the M60 motorway. It is free to use for all vehicle classes permitted on UK motorways.
How to Get There
The M60 is easily accessible from any part of Greater Manchester. Major entry points include:
- From the North: Via the M66 or M62.
- From the South: Via the A34 or M56.
- From the West: Via the M62 or M502.
- From the East: Via the M67 or A635.
What to Expect
- Heavy Traffic: Expect delays at Junctions 12 (Eccles) and 18 (Simister) during rush hour.
- Varying Limits: Speed limits change frequently from 50 mph to 70 mph depending on “Smart” management.
- Frequent Signage: Large overhead gantries provide real-time updates on travel times and incidents.
Tips for Visitors
- Avoid Match Days: If Manchester United or Manchester City are playing at home, avoid the Western and Eastern quadrants respectively.
- Use Lane 1: Unless overtaking, stay in the left-hand lane to help maintain traffic flow.
- Fuel Up: There are no service stations directly on the M60 loop. You must exit at Junction 12 (Birch Services on the M62) or use local petrol stations near the junctions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to drive all the way around the M60? In clear traffic at the speed limit, it takes approximately 40 to 45 minutes to complete the 36-mile loop. During peak rush hour, this can easily increase to 90 minutes or more.
Where are the cameras on the M60? The M60 is heavily monitored by HADECS 3 (stealth cameras) and average speed cameras, particularly in the Smart Motorway sections between Junction 8 and Junction 18. These are usually mounted on the side of overhead gantries.
Which is the busiest junction on the M60? Junction 18 (Simister Island) is widely considered the busiest and most congested, as it handles the convergence of three major motorways and local traffic from North Manchester.
Does the M60 have a service station? Technically, no. There are no “on-motorway” services located on the M60 itself. Drivers typically use Birch Services (located on the M62 between J18 and J19) or Trafford Park facilities.
Why are there so many 50mph zones on the M60? These are usually implemented for safety and air quality. Constant speed limits reduce “stop-start” congestion, which lowers emissions and prevents rear-end collisions in high-density traffic.
Can I walk or cycle on the M60? No, as a designated motorway, pedestrians, cyclists, and mopeds under 50cc are strictly prohibited. There are various footbridges and underpasses provided for local crossing.
What should I do if I miss my exit on the M60? Since it is a loop, you can technically keep driving until you come back around, but it is much faster to continue to the next junction, exit, and re-enter the motorway in the opposite direction.
Is the M60 affected by snow? Because the M60 reaches higher elevations in the North and East (near Oldham), it is often one of the first major roads to see snow accumulation. National Highways prioritizes the M60 for gritting and plowing.
What is the “Manchester Outer Ring Road”? This is simply another name for the M60. Before 1998, the route was composed of various different motorway numbers, but it was unified under the M60 designation to improve navigation.
How many lanes does the M60 have? The number of lanes varies. Most sections have 3 or 4 lanes in each direction, but some complex interchanges expand to 5 or 6 lanes briefly to accommodate merging traffic.
Are there plans to widen the M60 further? There are currently no plans for a full-loop widening. The focus remains on Smart Motorway technology and specific junction improvements, such as the upcoming work at Simister Island.
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