Plans to complete the rejuvenation of a prominent part of the Wigan landscape scarred by years of opencast mining have taken a step forward thanks to National Highways’ M6 junction 21a to junction 26 project.
Work to complete the Sandyforth Green Gateway, which sits alongside the northbound M6 at Bryn between junction 25 and 26, is now moving ahead again following an agreement between Wigan Council and National Highways.
The £260 million motorway upgrade was fully-opened to traffic in December for National Highways by SMP Alliance on-site assembly partner Costain and included adding an extra lane as well as new technology and emergency areas in both directions along the M6 between Warrington and Wigan.
In a multi-million pound deal funded by National Highways and Wigan Council, with support from City of Trees, Sandyforth will become part of the Wigan Greenheart with a 30 year plan to bring it back to life.
National Highways is contributing £2 million as part of its commitment to the environment and aim of providing a legacy for the motorway project with the money supporting stewardship of the site for years to come.
As well as helping to ‘rewild’ the old opencast site, work can now forge ahead to complete the creation of new wetlands, grassland and areas of woodland. Alongside new wildlife habitats the site will also be open to visitors with a network of informal footpaths also being delivered.
Dave Cooke, National Highways senior project manager, said:
“National Highways is committed to reducing the impact of our motorways and major A roads on the environment and communities they serve.
“For those of us on the M6 project supporting initiatives like the Sandyforth Green Gateway is a real opportunity to deliver a lasting legacy and support local aspirations for a greener borough and enhanced outdoor leisure facilities.”
(Pic: National Highways)
