Highways England to open consultation into major road changes between Sheffield and Manchester

Residents will get the chance to share their views on the changes that have been made to the Westwood roundabout near Sheffield in Tankersley from Thursday, November 5 to December 17, 2020.

Highways England hope to make technology improvements along the A628, A616 and A61, including electronic signs and improved closure gates as part of the A57 Link Roads project which aims to ease congestion between Sheffield and Manchester.

The project which was formerly known as the “Trans-Pennine Upgrade”, held a previous consultation on the proposed package of ‘upgrades’ in 2018.

Since then, Highways England now propose to erect two new link roads at the western end of the A57/A628 route to provide a dual carriageway bypass around Mottram in Longdendale.

The government-owned company also plans to build two more link roads, the Mottram Moor Link Road as part of a new dual carriageway from the M67 junction 4 roundabout to a new junction on the A57(T) at Mottram Moor.

A new single carriageway, known as the A57 Link Road from the A57(T) at Mottram Moor to a new junction on the A57 in Woolley Bridge has been proposed as well.

Commuters and residents will be able to express their thoughts on the new changes that have been made since they were last consulted in 2018.

The new consultation will be open for six weeks.

Highways England hopes to reduce congestion, delays and improve the reliability of people’s journeys through Mottram in Longdendale and between Manchester and Sheffield.

Reduced noise levels and pollution is also outlined as a potential benefit in the proposed plans.

To respond to the consultation, you must complete an online form about the potential upgrades or write a paper copy of your comments and return it by sending it via the free-post address: Freepost, A57 Trans-pennine upgrade mailbox.

Alternatively, you can email Highways England via [email protected] or send them a letter to their postal address.

All consultation responses must be received by the end of 17 December 2020.

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