Highways England today announced its preferred route for the A57 Mottram bypass.
The company also confirmed it would deliver improvements at Westwood roundabout at Tankersley in South Yorkshire which links the A61 and A616, and would do further work to refine options for the dualling of the A61 between Westwood roundabout and the M1.
All three improvements to the Transpennine route between Manchester and Sheffield were part of a consultation held earlier this year.
Tim Gamon, Highways England’s Regional Delivery Director for the North West, said:
“More than 1,000 people attended the public information events we held on both sides of the Pennines earlier this year and almost 900 people responded to the consultation – with half backing the option selected for a new link from the M67 terminal roundabout to a new junction at A57(T) Mottram Moor – near Back Moor – and a link from there to a new junction on the A57 at Brookfield.
Most people felt these improvements struck a good balance in terms of convenience for drivers, reduced impact on local communities and improved safety. So we will present them in a statutory consultation next year with a plan to starting construction in early 2020.”
Plans for climbing lanes on the A628 are also being considered further following the recent consultation.
Cllr Kieran Quinn, executive leader of Tameside Council said: “This is great news. After so many false starts, demands, studies and inquiries, the bypass is finally to be built.
“It’s something Tameside Council has wanted for years. I’m delighted the Highways England has adopted Option A and is now moving into the detailed planning and development stage. At its most basic level, construction of the bypass means relief for the thousands of drivers – local and passing through – who have had to sit in long traffic queues around Mottram.
“Beyond that, however, the improved transport links will do much to unlock the economic potential of the Trans-Pennine region, and the Tameside and Glossop economies in particular”.
Cllr Tony Ashton, leader of High Peak Borough Council said: “This is a very welcome announcement and it is good to see progress now being made. This scheme will enhance connectivity between Glossop, Greater Manchester and the wider motorway network and we look forward to working with Highways England and other partners to ensure the detailed design optimises the benefits for local communities and businesses.
“However, this is not the total solution to the traffic issues we face in Glossopdale and we will continue to seek a solution to alleviate traffic on the A628 at Tintwistle.”
