Plans to transform journeys between Manchester and Sheffield have moved a step closer after Highways England’s proposal to create a new bypass at Mottram is making progress.
The new £228 million bypass includes a new dual carriageway that would run from the end of the M67 (junction 4) and through a new underpass to the north of Mottram, in Longdendale.
The road would then join the A57 east of the junction with the A6018 (Black Moor). A new single carriageway road is also planned to link the A57 from Mottram Moor to Woolley Bridge, taking traffic away from the current route of the A57 along Woolley Lane.
The Planning Inspectorate has accepted Highways England’s application for a Development Consent Order (DCO) and the submitted documents can now be formally assessed as part of the planning process, providing people with the opportunity to comment in writing and take part in hearings.
The inspectorate will then make its recommendation to the Secretary of State and, if a DCO is granted, it will pave the way for construction to begin, reports the Chester Standard.
Andy Dawson, Highways England’s project manager, said: “The decision to accept our DCO application represents an important milestone for the scheme, not only for us as the project team but for all those who have supported this project over a number of years.”=
About 25,000 vehicles travel along the A57 through Mottram every day, including more than 2,000 HGVs – equivalent to one lorry entering the village every 42 seconds.
“It also means residents get their chance to respond formally to the plans. I’m particularly pleased to see new footpaths and cycleways included. This is a really positive step forward.”
