It is hoped the new interchange near Warrington will significantly ease congestion on the busy route which links Liverpool and Manchester.

The work - which has been going on since May last year - has widened the carriageway to four lanes and provides a new link road to a popular retail estate.

The Gemini estate, which has an Ikea and large Marks and Spencer's, has been a significant bottleneck for people travelling on the M62, particularly at weekends.

The new junction should bring Christmas cheer to all car and public transport users Andrew Withington

The ceremony to open the new junction is being carried out by the Highways Agency and national regeneration agency, English Partnerships.

Highways Agency project manager Andrew Withington said: "The opening of the new junction and link road will make Christmas shopping a whole lot easier for travellers.

"Motorists have tolerated the road works for many months but the opening of the new junction should bring Christmas cheer to all car and public transport users."

The junction will also provide direct access to Omega - a new large retail and leisure park which is hoped will provide employment for 12,000 when it opens.

Mr Withington said great care had been taken to protect local wildlife and the environment.

A special wildlife ledge is being constructed to encourage the return of animals like the water vole and birds such as the kingfisher.