AN exhibition is to be held to explain how changes to a stretch of the M60 and M62 motorways aims to cut congestion.

The “smart motorway” scheme will be introduced on a 17-mile stretch of the motorway, from Junction 8 of the M60 at Sale to Junction 20 of the M62 near Rochdale.

Details of the project will be revealed at an information session at Sedgley Park Rugby Club, in Park Lane, Whitefield, from 11am to 4pm on June 20 and from 11am to 3pm on June 21.

The project is designed to improve journey times by using technology such as variable speed limits, traffic flow sensors, overhead signs and CCTV. The M60 section — Junctions 8 to 18 — will be upgraded to a smart motorway, but the hard shoulder will remain for emergency use only.

From Junction 18 of the M60 at Simister Island to Junction 20 of the M62, the hard shoulder will be permanently converted into a traffic lane to ease congest-ion, widening the carriage-way to four lanes in both directions.

The scheme will see 200 new electronic signs installed on the motorway to alert drivers of changes to the speed limit and incidents ahead, and 24 new CCTV cameras will allow traffic to be monitored at the Highways Agency’s control centre.

Work is set to begin this summer, and is expected to be completed by 2016 or 2017. Members of the public will be able to speak to representatives of the Highways Agency, and view a computer-generated virtual tour of what the new motorways will look like, at the information session.

The Highways Agency says there will be temporary speed limits, narrow lanes and overnight closures in place while work is being carried out.

Paul Hampson, Highways Agency project manager, said: “The motorway upgrade is designed to support economic growth by alleviating congestion, which is estimated to cost the economy £2 billion every year.

“These exhibitions will give people the opportunity to find out more about the scheme and its benefits, and I encourage people to get involved.

“From this summer, people will see roadworks on these sections of the motorway while we upgrade them, but we will do everything we can to minimise disruption for road users and those living close to where we will be doing work.

Other exhibitions will be held during June at Urmston, Eccles and Rochdale. For more information: visit highways.gov.uk/manchestersmartmotorways