Motorway 50mph speed limits set to be removed

George Lythgoe
Local Democracy Reporting Service
National Highways Aerial view of two cranes moving the bridge into place across the motorwayNational Highways
Work has been carried out on the M67 to replace the previous St Anne's Bridge in Denton

Speed restrictions that have been in place on a motorway in Greater Manchester for two years due to bridge replacement works are set to be removed.

The 50mph zones were implemented on the the M67 in 2023 but will no longer continue on the section between Junction 24 the M60 and Junction 1A Denton.

In addition, the 50mph speed limit is also being removed eastbound on the M67 between Junctions 1A Denton and Junction 3 Hyde.

National Highways said it would "shortly be removing roadworks, speed enforcement cameras and signage" and reiterated that the bridge would reopen in 2026.

Restrictions on the westbound carriageway will be removed at a later date.

National Highways Workmen in high-visability jackets work on site near residential houses. They are surrounded by metal safety fences.National Highways
The new bridge is expected to open in 2026

The speed cap was introduced to enable the £23m National Highways replacement of the ageing St Anne's Bridge due to long-term safety concerns.

The new bridge will provide unrestricted access for all road users at the location, including eastbound access to the M67 with work due to be completed next year, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Mangat Bansal, National Highways programme delivery manager, said: "Our work on the bridge continues to make good progress.

"Bearings that help the bridge move slightly and safely with traffic and temperature changes have been installed."

The next phase of work will see the construction of the bridge deck where traffic runs, while utility companies will also return to the site to make final connections within the structure.

The work will involve overnight closures of the motorway between 21:00 and 05:00 until Sunday and next weekend.

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