Government gives airport relief road green light

WORK on the £290m Stockport’s A6 to Manchester Airport relief road could begin before the end of February after the government gave the go ahead.

Stockport Council, on behalf of its partners Cheshire East and Manchester City Council, confirmed it has now been given the green light for the scheme – a key element in the strategic infrastructure for Greater Manchester – by Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin while the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Eric Pickles also confirmed agreement over public open space affected.

The announcement following a public inquiry has been hailed by the leaders of Stockport Council and Cheshire East Council, Sue Derbyshire and Michael Jones, respectively.

Some environmental work could start before the end of February with the main contract works starting in March, Stockport Council has said.

It is expected the work will take two-and-a-half years to complete, with the road open to traffic by autumn 2017.

Cllr Derbyshire said: “As part of our ‘Investing in Stockport’ initiative we are committed to continually developing Stockport so that it is a great place to live, work and visit for all.

“Key to this is ensuring that residents and businesses have easy access across the borough and that our transport links develop so that they can meet the demands of modern life.”

The proposed scheme will provide approximately 10km of dual carriageway, linking the A6 at Hazel Grove to the eastern end of the existing A555 at Woodford Road, Bramhall and from the western end of the existing A555 at Wilmslow Road, Handforth to Manchester Airport.

Meanwhile, Cllr Jones also welcomed the new when he said: “This announcement is great news for the North West. As part of our ‘putting residents first’ initiative, we are committed to developing the economy and infrastructure of Cheshire East and the wider region to ensure it remains a fantastic place to live, work visit and do business.
 
“SEMMMS will provide enhanced east-west strategic connectivity across the north of the Borough and improved access to employment opportunities at Manchester Airport and the Airport City Enterprise Zone.
 
“The announcement is a key step towards being able to deliver the Poynton Relief Road, which will relieve congestion in Poynton and provide improved connectivity to the strategic highway for the northern Macclesfield business area.
 
“We as a council are committed to encouraging economic growth, nurturing new business opportunities and improving lives within the Borough. Overall, the SEMMMS scheme will bring significantly-improved connectivity and employment benefits.
 
“We are delighted that the Secretary of State has considered the public inquiry inspector’s report and confirmed the orders, which will allow an early start on the construction of the road scheme to be undertaken.”

 

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