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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.
Public information leaflet - may 2001
Public information leaflet - may 2001
Public Information leaflet - May 2001
The problem
The A57/A628 connects Manchester with Sheffield via the M67, A616 and M1. Where the A57 passes through the villages of Mottram and Hollingworth there are several junctions, causing long delays for traffic, there is on-street parking making the road narrow for the large numbers of heavy goods vehicles using the route, and together with steep gradients these make conditions difficult for residents, pedestrians and all road users.
The high volume of traffic causes noise, visual intrusion and severance and creates an unpleasant environment for residents. The accident rate at Tintwistle is more than twice the national average. A bypass would greatly improve conditions for all road users, pedestrians and residents by removing about 70% of through traffic from Mottram, 40% from Hollingworth and 60% from Tintwistle.
The background story
Following earlier investigations to provide a bypass, the scheme was restored to the road programme in 1989 and following a public consultation process a preferred route was selected in October 1993. This route is shown on the map in red. After subsequent reviews by the previous government, work was suspended. In July 1998 the present government published the results of its own review in 'A New Deal for Trunk Roads' and included the bypass as a scheme to be progressed through the preparatory stages. If the scheme is eventually endorsed after full appraisal and statutory procedures it can be taken forward without delay.
Where would the new road go?
The Preferred Route would leave the M67 terminal roundabout in a northeasterly direction and pass under the A6018 Roe Cross Road, Old Road and Old Hall Lane in a tunnel some 120 metres north of the point where those roads converge. This tunnel would be about 170 metres long. To the east of this area the route continues to a roundabout which provides for a link road down to the A57 Mottram Moor. A proposed local authority road would continue this link to the A57 at Woolley Bridge. To the east of the roundabout , the Preferred Route would proceed in a northeasterly direction, then curving southeasterly to join the existing A628 east of Tintwistle near Townhead Farm.
What happens next?
The Highways Agency has recently appointed Mott MacDonald as its consultants to take the scheme forward. They will review the problems affecting the three villages and consider the best way to resolve these.
In line with the current requirements of "A New Deal for Trunk Roads" the assessment will determine whether the road option remains the best solution compared to other transport possibilities. The assessment will be undertaken using the government's "New Approach to Appraisal" guidelines.
To assist in the assessment, further surveys will be carried out to update and confirm the information found in earlier surveys. These will include travel, environmental and archaeological surveys. Where access is needed to land to carry these out, owners will be notified in advance of the personnel involved and the dates.
Subject to the results of the assessment, our target is to develop the bypass proposals in sufficient detail to enable publication of the draft Orders under the Highways Act by Spring 2002. The Orders will include the line of the road, alterations to side roads and the compulsory purchase of land. Anyone wishing to object, comment or support the proposals will be able to do so.
Subsequently there may be a Public Inquiry held by an independent inspector to consider these objections who will report to the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions.
The Secretary of State will then decide whether the Orders are to be confirmed and, if so, when the bypass can be built.
Your feedback
The Highways Agency is aware of the depth of feeling towards the bypass proposals and the arguments for and against the Preferred Route. We are interested in hearing your feedback and your views to assist us in undertaking this latest assessment. Please send your comments to the address below
Where can I get further information?
Highways Agency
Sunley Tower
Piccadilly Plaza
Manchester
M1 4BE
Project Sponsor - John Hornagold
Assistant Project Sponsor - Andy Withington
Project Administrator - Ann Farquhar
Tel: 0645 55 65 75
