Consultation into major road changes to improve journeys between Sheffield and Manchester opens

The government owned company is urging drivers and residents to share their thoughts about the plans for a new £228 million bypass which aim to ease pressure on roads between the two cities.

Highways England allege that the bypass will take traffic away from Mottram in Longdendale, in the hopes it will tackle congestion and reduce noise, while new link roads will improve journeys between Manchester and Sheffield.

The village is on the 25-mile trans-Pennine route between both cities, connecting the M67 in the North West to the M1 in Yorkshire with around 25,000 vehicles travelling along the A57 through Mottram every day.

Proposals show that the new two-mile bypass will run from the roundabout at the end of the M67 (junction 4) to a new junction on the A57 in Woolley Bridge.

Commuters are invited to have their say on the plans in a new six-week public consultation which launches today (Thursday, November 5) and ends on Thursday, December 17.

Residents will also get the chance to review changes proposed to the Westwood roundabout near Sheffield in Tankersley.

Work hopes to improve increase capacity at the roundabout, on the stretch of the Manchester to Sheffield route near the M1 by widening the approach roads at the junction and adding an extra lane on the roundabout.

Traffic lights will also be installed to reduce congestion and help make journeys more reliable.

Highways England’s chief executive Jim O’Sullivan said: “Our plans for a new road around Mottram will help local communities by taking traffic away from the village, and we value your views to help make it happen.”

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps commented: “We’re working harder than ever to level up infrastructure and deliver for the Northern Powerhouse.

"This new bypass is another great example of that. It will boost connectivity, better linking two key northern cities in Sheffield and Manchester, tackle congestion – including by taking through traffic away from Mottram, Stalybridge and High Peak – and improve air quality.

“It’s vital that the new route works best for drivers, residents and businesses who use this key road every day.

"I’d encourage everyone to have their say on this road’s future, and I look forward to seeing plans progress.”

The scheme includes a new dual carriageway to the north of Mottram which will connect the motorway roundabout to the A57 at Mottram Moor.

A new single carriageway road from Mottram Moor to Woolley Bridge aims to separate Glossop traffic from vehicles travelling over the Pennines, along the A628 Woodhead Pass.

Highways England’s project team are holding three webinars to provide more locals with more details on the major road proposals.

Online events will take place at 12 noon and 6pm on Wednesday, November 18 and Saturday, November 21 at 2pm – users should visit the company’s website to take part.

Residents can also call the team on 0808 196 4502 every Tuesday until the end of November from 10am until 3pm, and from 4pm until 8pm.

A planning application for the bypass is due to be submitted next year and if approved by the government, work could start by spring 2023.

To submit a consultation response click here.

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In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.