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The Project Control Framework
This framework sets out how we, together with the Department for Transport, manage and deliver major road improvement projects.
A556 Knutsford to Bowdon Environmental Improvement
A556 Knutsford to Bowdon Environmental Improvement
- Status
- Planned
- Located in
- Area 10
- Scheme type
- Programme of Major Schemes
- Updates
- Get email alerts when we publish new information
Current Progress
The scheme is currently progressing through the preliminary design stage as planned. We want to make sure that the local community, the residents, local interest groups, businesses, visitors and road users, have the opportunity to understand the scheme and comment on our proposals. As such we are holding a 12 week public consultation from Monday 23rd January 2012 to Monday 16th April 2012.
To find out more about the current consultation and view the consultation information, please visit our Consultation page.
To view our other scheme publications, including the two notices published in January 2012 to advertise the current consultation, please visit our Publications page.
We will provide consultation information on various issues including:
- Junction layout and strategy
- Works to the existing road ('de-trunking') and side roads
- Environmental assessments and potential environmental impacts
- Environmental mitigation measures
- Arrangements during construction of the scheme
The Project
Project Timetable
For further information please visit the Progress at a Glance page.
What is happening?
In 2003 the Secretary of State for Transport cancelled plans for a new Motorway link, the A556(M), having not been convinced that the A556(M)'s proposal for a new motorway-standard road in open countryside was acceptable. At the same time he also cancelled an alternative proposal to improve the M6 junction 20, bypassing the A556, as studies indicated it would not operate effectively and would not represent good value for money. We were asked to look at alternative proposals, involving local communities in our work.
Where and When is this happening?
The A556 is a major trunk road between north Cheshire and south Manchester. The section of the A556 under consideration is between the M6 junction 19 near Tabley/Knutsford and the M56 junction 7 near Bowdon. To the northern end of the A556 are the communities of Altrincham, Bowdon and Hale. Rostherne Mere is situated to the east of the route, close to the existing trunk road. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a National Nature Reserve and a wetland of international importance. At the southern end, close to the town of Knutsford, is Tatton Park (a National Trust property), which hosts many events annually, including the Royal Horticultural Society Flower Show. We aim to begin construction by 2015, subject to statutory processes.
Why is this happening and what will it cost?
The A556 carries approximately 51,500 vehicles daily, with HGVs contributing approximately 11% of this figure. The section of the A556 between the M56 junction 7 and the M6 junction 19 is 6.5km (4 miles) long and is currently mainly single 4-lane carriageway, with sections of dual 2-lane carriageway. Along the A556, numerous properties and field entrances have direct access onto the trunk road. As well as the two motorway junctions, there are also two other major junctions that connect local roads to the A556. These are the Bucklow Hill junction, and Mere junction. Both junctions are controlled by traffic lights and have restricted turning movements.
As such, the road is currently heavily congested for long periods of the day. There were 118 accidents in the period January 2005 to December 2009, including 1 fatality and 14 serious injuries.
The current cost-range estimate for the whole scheme is £137million (minimum) to £212million (maximum) with a central estimate of £174million
How will the scheme be carried out?
We are currently in the preliminary design stage, and will hold a consultation to allow local community, businesses and road users to comment on our proposals. Once the design has been finalised we will be able to provide more information about how the scheme will be carried out.
How will this impact on my journey?
Until we have completed the consultation and finalised the design, we are unable to determine the likely impact. Works of this nature inevitably lead to some disruption, but we will do our best to keep this to a minimum and will keep you informed via this website.
What are the benefits?
A new road will address the significant congestion problems and will reduce accident numbers within the area. The air quality within the area will also be improved.
How do I find out more information?
More information will be posted on this project page as it becomes available. You can subscribe to be alerted when updates are made.
If you have any queries about this project you should contact the Highways Agency Information Line by emailing ha_info@highways.gsi.gov.uk or calling 0300 123 5000.
