Work has begun on a £208 million smart motorway aimed at cutting congestion on the M62 and M60 near Manchester.

Cutting-edge technology is to be installed on the network to reduce the number of traffic jams, including variable speed limits, traffic flow sensors, overhead signs and CCTV.

Upgrades are taking place on a 17-mile stretch of the network between junction 8 of the M60 near Sale and junction 20 of the M62.

Stephen Greenhalgh, at the Highways Agency, said: "Once completed, the smart motorway will tackle the congestion and unpredictable journey times that users of the M60 and M62 experience every day."

He added that the upgrades are also good news for the construction industry as thousands of people will be employed on the project.

Site surveys are taking place this week, meaning some sections of the hard shoulder will have to close. The project is due for completion in 2017.