Thornham Interchange is junction 20 of the M62 and junction 3 of the A627(M). It is notable for being unfinished, with the A627(M) approaches being designed for a future flyover that is unlikely to be built. Today the roundabout is a cramped three lane circulatory carriageway controlled by traffic signals. Given the capacity constraints on the A663 to the south, traffic to Manchester is directed to remain on the M62 and M60 rather than cut this corner, although the corridor remains trunk.
History
The interchange shown in 1972 just after opening
It opened on 7 January 1972 upon the opening of the entire A627(M). The M62 section from J17 to J22 had opened on 3 August 1971 so there was a short period before the junction opened.