M60/M62/M66 Simister Island development consent decision announced
The M62/M60/M62 Simister Island application has today been granted development consent by the Department for Transport.
The application will consist of the construction of a new free-flow link (northern loop) from the M60 eastbound to M60 southbound carriageways. Realignment of the M66 southbound carriageway on the approach to the junction. Construction of a new two-lane free-flow road from the M60 northbound to the M60 westbound to replace the existing single-lane, and widen the M66 southbound to four lanes through junction 18. Conversion of the hard shoulder into a permanent traffic lane between M60 junctions 17 and 18, providing five lanes in both directions. Other works will include improvements to signage, signalling and drainage.
The application was submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for consideration by National Highways on 2 April 2024 and accepted for examination on 30 April 2024.
Following an examination during which the public, statutory consultees and interested parties were given the opportunity to give evidence to the Examining Authority, recommendations were made to the Secretary of State on 9 June 2025.
This is the 59th transport application out of 162 applications examined to date and was again completed by the Planning Inspectorate within the statutory timescale laid down in the Planning Act 2008.
Local communities continue to be given the opportunity of being involved in the examination of projects that may affect them. Local people, the local authority and other interested parties were able to participate in this six-month examination.
The Examining Authority listened and gave full consideration to all local views and the evidence gathered during the examination before making its recommendation to the Secretary of State.
The decision, the recommendation made by the Examining Authority to the Secretary of State for Transport and the evidence considered by the Examining Authority in reaching its recommendation are publicly available on the project pages of the National Infrastructure Planning website.
Journalists wanting further information should contact the Planning Inspectorate Press Office, on 0303 444 5004 or 0303 444 5005 or email: Press.office@planninginspectorate.gov.uk