South Manchester relief road to open later this month

The new A6 Manchester Airport Relief Road will be open to traffic on Monday, October 15, following a final inspection today.

Stretching from Hazel Grove in the east to Manchester Airport in the west, the opening will provide a vital new road link for residents and business as they travel around Stockport, Manchester and east Cheshire.

Over the coming days the finishing touches to the road will be completed as it gets set to welcome traffic for the first time.

The scale and complexity of the relief road project has been huge with 11 new and upgraded junctions, 11 bridges, including four railway crossings and a shared cycle and pedestrian path that runs parallel to the road for its whole length.

A Stockport Council statement said: “We know that the work taking place along the route over the past few years has been significant, so we’re giving residents a chance to come and explore the road for themselves this Sunday (October 7) before it opens.”

A series of events, between 11am and 3pm, is planned as part of the invitation.

Most of the events are taking place in the main festival village, which will be on the section of the relief road just off Macclesfield Road, SK7 6DT.

Cllr Kate Butler, cabinet member for economy and regeneration at Stockport Council, said: “I’m delighted to be able to announce the opening date for the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road, which is going to make it even easier for people to travel in and around our region.

“This has been one of the largest and most complex local authority road schemes on site in the UK over recent years and we’ve really appreciated all of the help, patience and support given by residents during the construction work – we know it has been hard at times.”

She added: “We do hope you can join us at the community day on Sunday and take the chance to come and explore the road for yourself – something that won’t be possible once vehicles are on it.”