The M62 begins at Queen’s Drive in Liverpool and terminates at North Cave, near Hull, where it becomes the A63. It serves as a vital artery for freight moving between the Port of Liverpool and the Humber Ports, effectively linking the Irish Sea to the North Sea.
Key intersections include the M6 at the Croft Interchange, the M60 Manchester outer ring road, and the M1 near Leeds. These junctions are among the busiest in the UK, handling over 100,000 vehicles daily in peak sections.
Pennine Crossing Engineering
Crossing the Pennines required groundbreaking engineering to handle steep gradients and peat bog terrain. Engineers constructed the Rakewood Viaduct and the Scammonden Bridge, which was the longest single-span concrete arch bridge in the UK at its completion in 1970.
The section between Junction 22 and 23 is notorious for extreme weather, often experiencing snow and fog while the lowlands remain clear. Massive embankments, such as the one at Scammonden Water, serve a dual purpose as both a motorway foundation and a dam for the reservoir.
Stott Hall Farm Mystery
One of the M62’s most famous features is Stott Hall Farm, located between the eastbound and westbound carriage-ways near Junction 23. Contrary to popular urban legends about a stubborn farmer, the road was split because the underlying geology was too unstable to support all six lanes on one side.
The farm remains a working upland sheep farm today, accessible via an underpass beneath the motorway. It has become a beloved landmark for commuters, symbolizing the unique intersection of rural life and industrial infrastructure.
Smart Motorway Technology
Large stretches of the M62, particularly between Manchester and Leeds, have been converted into Smart Motorways to manage heavy traffic flow. These sections utilize All Lane Running (ALR), where the hard shoulder is used as a permanent driving lane, monitored by CCTV and overhead gantries.
Variable speed limits are enforced to prevent “stop-start” congestion and improve journey time reliability. While controversial due to safety concerns regarding broken-down vehicles, these upgrades have significantly increased the road’s capacity without the need for physical widening.
Economic Impact and Freight
The M62 is the backbone of the Northern Powerhouse, facilitating billions of pounds in trade annually between the North West and Yorkshire. It is the primary route for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) transporting consumer goods, chemicals, and automotive parts across the country.
Business hubs in Warrington, Manchester, and the Leeds City Region rely on the motorway for “just-in-time” logistics. Consequently, any closure on the M62 can have immediate ripple effects on the UK’s supply chain and regional productivity.
Major Junctions and Hubs
Junction 18 (Simister Island) is a critical bottleneck where the M62 meets the M60 and M66, often requiring significant navigation skill during rush hour. Further east, Junction 29 (Lofthouse) connects the M62 to the M1, forming a vital crossroads for North-Sought and East-West travel.
In the west, the M62 provides direct access to Manchester City Centre via the M602 and connects to the M6, providing a gateway to the West Midlands and Scotland. Each junction serves as a gateway to major industrial estates and retail parks, such as the Trafford Centre.
Weather and Safety Hazards
Due to its high altitude at Windy Hill, the M62 is frequently subject to “Trans-Pennine” weather shifts, including sudden black ice and high winds. The stretch between Junction 21 and 24 is often closed to high-sided vehicles during storms to prevent overturning on exposed viaducts.
Drivers are advised to check snow reports during winter months, as the Rakewood section can become impassable despite extensive gritting operations. Emergency refuge areas are spaced along smart motorway sections for those experiencing mechanical failure.
History and Construction Timeline
Construction of the M62 occurred in stages between 1958 and 1976, with the most difficult trans-Pennine sections opening in the early 1970s. It replaced the old A62 and A58 roads, which were inadequate for the growing volume of post-war industrial traffic.
The motorway was officially opened in its entirety by Queen Elizabeth II in 1971 at the Scammonden Bridge site. Since its completion, it has undergone numerous widening projects and junction reconfigurations to keep pace with the 21st-century traffic demands.
Future Development Plans
National Highways has ongoing plans for “capacity enhancements” at major interchanges like Simister Island to reduce wait times. These include dedicated “free-flow” left-turn links and upgraded signaling to better manage the 100,000+ vehicles that pass through daily.
Sustainability initiatives are also being integrated, including the installation of ultra-rapid Electric Vehicle (EV) charging hubs at service stations. Future-proofing the M62 involves balancing the need for higher speeds with the UK’s net-zero carbon targets.
Practical Information and Planning
Service Stations
The M62 features several major service areas, including Burtonwood (near Liverpool), Birch (between Manchester and Rochdale), and Ferrybridge (at the M1/A1 junction). These sites offer 24-hour fuel, EV charging, and a variety of food outlets like Starbucks, Greggs, and Burger King.
Transport Tips
- Rush Hour: Avoid the Manchester-Leeds corridor between 07:00–09:30 and 16:00–18:30 for the best experience.
- Tolls: There are no tolls on the M62 motorway itself.
- Fuel Prices: Motorway services typically charge 15–20p more per liter; consider exiting at Junction 27 (Birstall) for cheaper supermarket fuel.
What to Expect
Expect heavy HGV presence in the inside lanes at all times of the day. The scenery changes dramatically from the industrial skylines of Salford and Leeds to the rugged, bleak beauty of the Pennine moors near Huddersfield.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest point on the M62? The highest point is at Windy Hill, near Junction 22, reaching an elevation of 1,221 feet (372 meters). It is marked by a sign and is the highest point on any motorway in England.
Why is there a farm in the middle of the M62? Stott Hall Farm sits between the lanes because the local geology made it impossible to build the carriageways together. The farmer did not refuse to move; it was simply a pragmatic engineering decision to split the road.
Does the M62 go all the way to Hull? The M62 officially ends at Junction 38 (North Cave), about 15 miles west of Hull. From there, the road continues as the A63 dual carriageway, which leads directly into the city center and the docks.
Which cities does the M62 connect? The M62 provides a direct link between Liverpool, Manchester, Bradford, Leeds, and Wakefield, ultimately serving the port of Hull. It is the primary connector for the entire M62 corridor megalopolis.
Is the M62 a Smart Motorway? Yes, significant sections between Junction 10 (M6) and Junction 12 (M60), and between Junction 25 (Brighouse) and Junction 30 (Rothwell), operate as Smart Motorways with variable speed limits.
Where are the best places to stop on the M62? Hartshead Moor (J25) offers great views of the Pennines, while Ferrybridge Services (J33) is a major hub with the most extensive food and charging facilities.
How long does it take to drive the full M62? Without traffic, the 107-mile journey takes approximately 2 hours. However, during peak times or bad weather, this can easily extend to 3 or 4 hours.
Why is the M62 so busy? It is the only high-capacity east-west route across the North of England. It carries a massive volume of commuter traffic between Manchester and Leeds, plus international freight from the ports.
What should I do if I break down on the M62? If you are in a Smart Motorway section, try to reach an Emergency Refuge Area (ERA). If you cannot, pull as close to the left as possible, put your hazard lights on, and if safe, exit the vehicle via the left door and wait behind the barrier.
Is the M62 prone to snow? Yes, because of its altitude, the M62 often experiences heavy snow when nearby cities only see rain. National Highways keeps a dedicated fleet of gritters and snowplows specifically for the Pennine section.
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