The Government has given the green light to vital funding that will improve access to Manchester International Airport.
The announcement paves the way for up to £165 million of Government funding and will allow a new road to be built between the M56 Manchester Airport spur and the A6 at Hazel Grove.
Lord Deighton, chair of the HS2 growth taskforce and commercial secretary, announced the progress on this scheme during a visit to Manchester.
The new road will provide significantly improved access to Manchester Airport - the UK’s 4th largest airport. The scheme will also significantly improve access to the airport city enterprise zone and lead to an estimated 5,450 new jobs stemming from improved connectivity in the wider south Manchester corridor. It will also relieve congestion and support growth in the wider south Manchester area as well as improve the safety of road users, pedestrians and cyclists, reduce the impact of traffic congestion on local businesses and communities and support lower carbon travel.
Lord Deighton said: “Making this funding available for new road links around Manchester Airport reflects this Government’s commitment to drive growth in the economy and reduce congestion on our roads.”
The scheme consists of 6.2 miles of new dual carriageway on an east-west route from the A6 near Hazel Grove, south east of Stockport to Manchester Airport and the link road to the M56 incorporating 2.5 miles of the existing A555.
It will improve access to Manchester Airport and the airport city enterprise zone and other proposed development sites in the south Manchester corridor.
It will also relieve congestion and support growth in the wider south Manchester area as well as improve the safety of road users, pedestrians and cyclists, reduce the impact of traffic congestion on local businesses and communities and support lower carbon travel.
This announcement grants what is known as programme entry approval to the scheme which means the next stages – detailed design and the obtaining of the necessary statutory permissions – can begin.
The specific works being announced are new sections of road between the M56 Manchester Airport spur and the existing A555; and between the A555 and the A6 at Hazel Grove.
Progress on the scheme will be subject to the successful completion of all the remaining statutory procedures which may include a public inquiry. Subject to the completion of these procedures, the department will provide £165 million towards the full scheme cost of £230 million. Subject to successfully completion of these, construction is scheduled to start in January 2015 with completion in Summer 2017.
