A57 link roads

Latest updates

• 18 October 2024

  Early works update: scheme preparation works

  We’re continuing with our preparation work before main construction.

  Starting Monday 21 October 2024, these works will include the following activities:

  Cadent gas pipe closure

  Cadent Gas will be closing off a gas pipe. This work will take place Monday to Friday on Market Street and Woolley Lane, from 7:30am to 5pm.

  BT Openreach cable diversion

  BT Openreach will divert cables on the footpath along Roe Cross Road, just past Stalybridge Road. This work will take place Monday to Friday, from 7:30am to 5:00pm. For safety reasons, the footpath will be closed for the entire five-week duration of the work.

  New site access construction

  We’ll be constructing a new, safer access point into the field where our site compound will be located, just before the BP garage. Once the access is complete, we’ll fence off the area and begin vegetation clearance. This work will take place Monday to Friday, from 7:30am and 6:00pm.

  Stone transport and lane closure

  Starting Monday 4 November 2024, we’ll begin overnight work, from 7:30pm to 6:00am to transport stone from the layby on the A57 to the new site compound via the temporary access road. This is required to level the ground. This will involve a lane closure from the layby to just before the BP garage for around four weeks.

  Archaeological mitigation

  From mid-November, archaeological mitigation work will begin and continue until the end of the year.

  During this time, we’ll also be relocating temporary cabins into the area, in preparation for the construction of the permanent compound early in the new year. Further details will be shared prior to the start of this work.

  How will this impact you?

  We’re mindful that these works may cause some temporary disruption. However, we’re committed to minimising the impact as much as possible. Most of the work will take place within the field, though there will be a footpath closure from the roundabout to the BP garage throughout the duration of the scheme. We’ll look at creating suitable crossing points for the public to use.

  If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can email us via a57linkroads@nationalhighways.co.uk or call 0300 123 5000.

• 04 October 2024

  Early works update: Weekend works at M67 Junction 4 roundabout

  To prepare us for main construction, we’re continuing to carry out early works for the scheme. Between Friday 4 October and Sunday 6 October 2024, we'll be clearing a small section of vegetation on the M67 Junction 4 Roundabout.

  We'll be focusing on removing shrubs and bushes from a small strip around the roundabout area. This clearance will allow us to conduct trial holes on the water main.

  How will this impact me?

  We’ll have a small traffic management closure in place on lane two (the inner ring) of the M67 Junction roundabout. This will start on Friday night at 7pm, allowing our team to access the roundabout safely. We’ll do this during off peak hours to keep disruption to a minimum. 

  Please note, the Transport Secretary has commissioned a review of the Department for Transports’ spending portfolio, including current and future road schemes. While the review is ongoing, we’re continuing with the preparatory works and remain committed to the project.

  Read the Secretary of State’s written statement to Parliament of 30 July 2024.

  If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us. You can email us via a57linkroads@nationalhighways.co.uk or call 0300 123 5000.

• 10 July 2024

  Learn more about our work on the A57

  We can now begin construction on the A57 Link Roads scheme.

  We’ll be setting up our site compound this summer ahead of main construction in early 2025.

  We’ll be holding a series of events at the end of this month. These will be an opportunity for you to find out more about the scheme, our work and ask the team questions.

  Come and see the team at the following locations:

  Wednesday 24 July 2pm-7pm

  The Community Room, St Mary’s Church, Market Street, Hollingworth, SK14 8NE

  Thursday 25 July 3pm-6pm

  Round Table Hall, Bradbury Community House, Market Street, Glossop, SK13 8AR

  Saturday 27 July 10am-2pm

  The Community Room, St Mary’s Church, Market Street, Hollingworth, SK14 8NE

• 30 April 2024

  Scheme construction can now commence

  Ground one of the legal challenges regarding the assessment of carbon was on hold subject to another case with the Court of Appeal.

  On 22 February 2024, we received the outcome of this appeal.

  Three judges found that the Development Consent Orders (DCOs), previously granted by the Secretary of State for Transport were properly assessed by the government for the cumulative effects of carbon and will stand.

  Judge Lady Justice Thornton who presided over the Judicial Review on the A57 Link Road scheme considered all the legal challenges and has now handed down her decision confirming that the case against the scheme is now closed.

  This means we can now begin construction and will start work on the scheme as soon as possible. We’re currently finalising the construction programme and will provide further updates in due course.

   

• 22 November 2023

  Legal challenge update

  Last month a judicial review was heard at the High Court, regarding the Secretary of State for Transport’s decision to grant the A57 Link Roads scheme a development consent order.

  The challenge focussed on two main areas. Firstly on the way cumulative carbon assessments were carried out, along with local plans. And secondly on how alternative options and their impact on the green belt were considered.

  On Friday (17 November) the judge, Ms Justice Thornton, dismissed the claimant’s argument on ground two of the challenge. We welcome the decision made by the High Court.

  Ground one of the challenge, relating to the assessment of carbon, is on hold as it’s subject to a case currently with the Court of Appeal.

  The one-day hearing for the A47 schemes is set for 16 January, with a decision expected in early 2024.

  As the legal proceedings for this are ongoing, we cannot comment any further until all matters have been addressed by the courts.

  We remain committed to delivering this vital project and the benefits it will bring to the local community. We believe our proposals will provide much-needed relief for drivers and businesses that use this important route every day, while delivering an economic boost to the Greater Manchester and Sheffield city regions.

• 11 September 2023

  Legal challenge court date set

  In November 2022 the Secretary of State granted the Development Consent Order (DCO) for the scheme, a decision which was later challenged.

  We’re currently going through the legal process and expect the challenge to be heard in court on 3 October 2023.

  The challenge focuses on two main areas. Firstly on the way cumulative carbon assessments were carried out, along with local plans. And secondly on how the assessment of alternatives and their impact on the green belt have been considered.

  When the challenge is heard in court, an independent judge will consider whether the grounds of the challenge have any relevance to the Secretary of State’s decision. If the judge determines the grounds are valid, they will be assessed as part of the legal proceedings. A decision will then be made in favour of the challenge or against it.

  If the outcome of the judicial review is to uphold the DCO, we’ll look to resume our construction programme planning and mobilisation of site works as soon as possible.

  Once a decision from the court has been announced publicly, we will be updating this webpage with the outcome and our next steps.

  We remain committed to delivering this vital project and the benefits it will bring to the local community. We believe our proposals will provide much-needed relief for drivers and businesses that use this important route every day, while delivering an economic boost to the Greater Manchester and Sheffield city regions.

• 17 January 2023

  A57 Link Roads legal challenge

  We’re aware that a legal challenge has been made against the Secretary of State’s decision to grant a Development Consent Order (DCO) for the A57 Link Roads scheme.

  The challenge focuses on two main areas. Firstly on the way cumulative carbon assessments were carried out, along with local plans. And secondly on how the assessment of alternatives and their impact on the green belt have been considered.

  Following the DCO announcement in November 2022, we had planned to start construction on the scheme in spring 2023. However, in light of the legal challenge this will not be possible.

  At this stage it is too early to say how much of an impact the legal challenge will have on our programme, but we anticipate that it could be several months before there is more clarity.

  We're disappointed about the legal challenge. We believe our proposals will provide much-needed relief for drivers and businesses that use this vitally important route every day, while also delivering an economic boost to the Greater Manchester and Sheffield city regions.

  You can keep up to date with the latest scheme news by signing up for webpage updates.

• 17 November 2022

  Development Consent Order given the green light

  Yesterday we welcomed the decision by Transport Minister Huw Merriman MP to grant us a Development Consent Order. This allows us to move ahead with our plans to improve the A57 around Mottram Moor.  

  The route between the Manchester and Sheffield city regions currently suffers from heavy congestion. This restricts potential economic growth, as the delivery of goods to businesses is often delayed and the route is unreliable for commuters, which limits job opportunities.

  Our proposals will deliver much-needed additional capacity and better connectivity for people and businesses. This vital work will also reduce traffic levels that currently disrupts the lives of communities and improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.

  To help you visualise the new roads, watch our latest A57 Link Roads fly-through video.

  We would like to thank everyone who has provided feedback and helped shape this vital scheme.

  We now enter a six-week judicial review period, but we will continue to work closely with our stakeholders and move the project forward during this time.

  You can view the official decision letter and find more information on the Planning Inspectorate's website.

• 10 August 2021

  DCO Application accepted

  Because the A57 Link Roads project is classed as a ‘Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project’, we need to obtain consent to build the scheme through a Development Consent Order (DCO).

  On 28 June, we submitted our application for a DCO to the Planning Inspectorate. On the 26 July, the Planning Inspectorate accepted our application for examination. This means our DCO is now in the pre-examination period. During this stage interested parties who have registered by making a relevant representation are invited to provide more details of their views in writing. To register as an Interested Party, please visit the A57 Link Roads Planning Inspectorate website.

  We’ll then move into the examination period, meaning that the Planning Inspectorate has up to six months to carry out the examination. Careful consideration is given by the Examining Authority to all the important and relevant matters including the representations of all interested parties, any supporting evidence submitted and answers provided to the Examining Authority’s questions set out in writing or posed at hearings.

  The DCO process is explained below, and in this video. You can also find out more about DCO applications in this leaflet.

   

  Stages of the DCO process:

  Pre-application stage

  This is a 28 day period where the Planning Inspectorate review our submission to determine whether we have provided everything required for the application. We submitted our application on 28 June.

  Acceptable

  This does not mean that our DCO application is approved, it is when the Planning Inspectorate decides whether we have submitted all the relevant documentation to allow the application to move forward. The Planning Inspectorate accepted our application on 26 July.

  Pre-examination stage

  This stage allows for anyone to register as an Interested Party. By doing this, you will be able to submit a written representation or attend a public hearing to present your views.

  The Planning Inspectorate will also formally appoint a panel of inspectors to serve as the Examining Authority, and a first meeting will be held to discuss procedural issues and the timetable for examination, called the Preliminary Hearing.

  This is the stage we are currently in.

  Examination

  This is a six-month process when the Examining Authority will examine the DCO application against the tests in the National Policy Statement for National Networks.

  The Examining Authority will assess feedback from the public and stakeholders through written representations and the hearings. If you have registered as an Interested Party in the pre-examination phase, you can make a representation.

  Recommendation and decision stage

  Following the end of the six-month examination stage, the Examining Authority will have three months to write a recommendation report and submit it to the Secretary of State for Transport.

  The Secretary of State for Transport then has up to three months to make the final decision on whether to grant our DCO.

  Post-decision stage

  If the Secretary of State for Transport grants the DCO, this is the final stage of the process and provides a six-week window for anyone with legal grounds to challenge the Secretary of State for Transport’s decision through judicial review.

  This is when scheme construction will start.

• 18 December 2020

  Consultation now closed

  Our consultation on the updated design of the A57 Link Roads project has now closed. Thank you to everybody who took the time to share your views with us.
  
  Over the next few months we’ll be reviewing the feedback you provided, and using it to make alterations to the design of the new roads where necessary. We’ll then publish a consultation report, which summarises the responses we received.

  We’ll also continue talking to stakeholders during this time, as well as local organisations and groups, to design the best possible solution for improving traffic conditions in Mottram in Longdendale.
  
  We’re on track for submitting our application for a Development Consent Order in spring 2021. View our video explaining our planning process for building major road projects, known as ‘Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects’.

• 05 November 2020

  Consultation now open – 5 November to 17 December 2020

  We’ve launched a consultation on the A57 Link Roads project and we want to hear your views on the updated design of the proposed road. The consultation is open until 23:59 on 17 December 2020.

  Following questions raised at our 2018 consultation, we’ve also revisited our air quality data and other environmental impacts. We’ve carried out additional monitoring and assessments, and we now have more environmental information available for you to view.  

  You can find all of our consultation materials and respond to the consultation by visiting our consultation page.

  Our traffic data is still being finalised and is therefore not yet available to view. We will be publishing this data when we make our application for a Development Consent Order in 2021. This follows the normal process for developing a ‘Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project’. You can register as an interested party during the ‘Development Consent Order’ process, to have the opportunity to share your views on this data with the Planning Inspectorate.

  Due to COVID-19 restrictions, we’re not holding face-to-face events as we normally would. Instead, we’re providing a range of alternative ways for you to speak to the project team, ask questions and ultimately make an informed response to the public consultation.

  If you have any questions about the consultation or the project, you can join one of our telephone consultation events by calling our freephone number 0808 196 4502 during the dates and times below:

  • Tuesday 10 November - 10am to 3pm and 4pm to 8pm
  • Tuesday 17 November - 10am to 3pm and 4pm to 8pm
  • Tuesday 24 November - 10am to 3pm and 4pm to 8pm

  If you have any technical questions which we’re unable to answer on the phone, we will arrange for a member from one of our technical teams to call you back. This will be on the following Thursday, at a time convenient for you.

  You can also join one of our webinars where we’ll present our proposals and hold a question and answer session. These will be held on the following dates and times:

  • Wednesday 18 November - midday to 2pm 
  • Wednesday 18 November - 6pm to 8pm 
  • Saturday 21 November - 2pm to 4pm 

  Please note: you may need to download the Microsoft Teams application onto your device to join these webinars.

  If you’re unable to access any of our materials or require these in a different format, please contact us on 0300 123 5000.

  You can watch this short video which explains the “Development Consent Order” process which we must follow to obtain consent to build the scheme. 

• 29 October 2020

  Upcoming consultation

  We’re preparing to launch a public consultation from 5 November to 17 December 2020 on the changes that we’ve made to the design of the project since our last consultation in 2018. We’ve also carried out additional environmental surveys and monitoring, and we want to hear your views on the most recent data, and our plans for reducing the environmental impacts of the project.

  When the consultation launches, we will upload all of our consultation materials on this web page, including an online response form.

  We have published our ‘Statement of Community Consultation’ which sets out how we will carry out this consultation. You can view this in the documents section of this webpage.

  You can sign up to be notified via email when we update this page.

• 25 August 2020

  Change to scheme delivery dates

  During 2018 we consulted with stakeholders and the public on our proposed plans for the Trans-Pennine upgrade project. Since then, we've been carrying out further air quality monitoring alongside our ongoing air quality assessment to ensure the scheme doesn’t affect areas of pre-existing air quality exceedances.

  It's important this data is in place before presenting our findings to all interested parties.

  The gathering and analysis of the air quality monitoring data has had an impact on the timescales for the delivery of the link roads, meaning that we now intend to start construction work on this project in early 2023. We plan to hold another consultation on the latest design and environmental information for the project later this year. Keep an eye on our web page for more details about the consultation, or sign up for email alerts when we update this web page with the latest information.