Major Highways & Driving Tips in Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
1. M602 Motorway
The M602 is a key route connecting Manchester city centre to the M60 orbital motorway and the wider UK motorway network. It solves traffic congestion between these areas.
- Direct Link: Provides a direct link from Manchester Airport to Manchester city centre.
- Toll-free: Unlike some other major highways, the M602 is toll-free.
- Limited Access: It's a limited access road, ensuring faster travel speeds.
2. M60 Motorway
The M60 is an orbital motorway around Manchester, facilitating travel to and from the city centre without passing through it multiple times.
- Circumferential Route: It encircles Manchester, making it easy to bypass the city centre if necessary.
- Easy Access: Multiple junctions provide easy access to key areas within Manchester and beyond.
- Relieves City Centre Congestion: By diverting traffic around the city centre, it helps reduce congestion within the city itself.
3. A56 Chester Road
The A56 is a major road connecting Manchester to Chester. It offers an alternative route to the motorways for those heading north.
- Scenic Route: Travels through picturesque areas, offering a more scenic journey than some motorway routes.
- Alternative to Motorways: Offers an alternative route for drivers wishing to avoid motorways.
- Historic Towns: Passes through historic towns like Knutsford and Wilmslow, providing opportunities for sightseeing.
4. A6 Mancunian Way
The A6 is a major road that connects Manchester city centre with the M60 motorway and provides access to Manchester Airport.
- Airport Access: Provides direct access to Manchester Airport, reducing travel time.
- City Centre Link: Links the city centre with the M60 motorway, facilitating travel in and out of Manchester.
- Inner Ring Road: Forms part of Manchester's inner ring road system, helping to distribute traffic effectively.
5. M67 Motorway
The M67 is a short motorway connecting the M60 and M62 motorways, serving areas such as Oldham and Rochdale.
- Regional Connections: Links Manchester to key towns in Greater Manchester and beyond.
- Limited Access: A limited access road, ensuring faster travel speeds.
- Reduces Traffic on A Roads: Diverts traffic away from congested A roads, improving journey times.
6. A57 Snake Pass
The A57 Snake Pass is a mountain pass road linking Manchester with the Hope Valley and Sheffield. It offers a scenic yet challenging route for drivers.
- Scenic Route: Provides stunning views of the Peak District National Park.
- Alternative to Motorways: Offers an alternative route for drivers wishing to avoid motorways and explore the countryside.
- Challenging Road Conditions: Features steep gradients, sharp bends, and can be closed during severe weather conditions.
7. M62 Motorway
The M62 is a major motorway connecting Manchester with Hull in the east and Liverpool in the west.
- Long-Distance Travel: Enables long-distance travel between Manchester, Liverpool, and Hull.
- Motorway Link: Links Manchester to the wider UK motorway network.
- Limited Access: A limited access road, ensuring faster travel speeds.
8. A556 Cheshire Oaks Way
The A556 is a dual carriageway connecting Manchester to Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet and the M56 motorway.
- Shopping Destination: Provides easy access to the popular Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet.
- Motorway Link: Links Manchester to the M56 motorway and beyond.
- Improved Traffic Flow: The dual carriageway design improves traffic flow compared to single-carriageway roads.
9. A34 Wilmslow Road
The A34 is a major road connecting Manchester city centre with the University of Manchester and surrounding areas.
- Educational Institution Access: Provides easy access to the University of Manchester.
- City Centre Link: Links the city centre with surrounding suburbs and towns.
- Busy Commercial Route: Serves a busy commercial area, with many shops, restaurants, and businesses along its route.
10. M602 Junction 1 Interchange
The M602 Junction 1 Interchange connects the M60 motorway with the A57 and A5081 roads.
- Interchange Function: Facilitates seamless connections between the M60, A57, and A5081.
- Manchester Airport Access: Provides a key link to Manchester Airport via the A5081.
- Regional Connections: Enables travel between Manchester city centre and surrounding areas via the M60 and A roads.
11. A580 East Lancashire Road
The A580 is a major road connecting Manchester with Liverpool and the M6 motorway.
- Long-Distance Travel: Enables long-distance travel between Manchester and Liverpool.
- Motorway Link: Links Manchester to the M6 motorway and beyond.
- Limited Access: A limited access road, ensuring faster travel speeds.
12. M56 Motorway
The M56 is a motorway connecting Manchester with Chester and the M53 motorway.
- Northwest Connections: Links Manchester to key towns in North West England.
- Motorway Link: Links Manchester to the wider UK motorway network via the M53 and M6.
- Limited Access: A limited access road, ensuring faster travel speeds.
13. A62 Oldham Road
The A62 is a major road connecting Manchester city centre with Oldham and the M62 motorway.
- Regional Connections: Enables travel between Manchester city centre and surrounding towns.
- Motorway Link: Links Manchester to the M62 motorway and beyond.
- Busy Commercial Route: Serves a busy commercial area, with many shops, restaurants, and businesses along its route.
14. A635 Hyde Road
The A635 is a major road connecting Manchester city centre with Tameside and the M67 motorway.
- Regional Connections: Enables travel between Manchester city centre and surrounding towns.
- Motorway Link: Links Manchester to the M67 motorway and beyond.
- Busy Commercial Route: Serves a busy commercial area, with many shops, restaurants, and businesses along its route.
15. M60 Junction 21 Interchange
The M60 Junction 21 Interchange connects the M60 motorway with the A57 and A62 roads.
- Interchange Function: Facilitates seamless connections between the M60, A57, and A62.
- Regional Connections: Enables travel between Manchester city centre and surrounding areas via the M60 and A roads.
- Busy Commercial Route: The A62, in particular, serves a busy commercial area, with many shops, restaurants, and businesses along its route.