Cheshire East Council is ‘deeply disappointed' that the Department for Transport (DfT) has removed the planned improvements to the A500 from the Government's Major Road Network Programme, meaning that the council will no longer receive the funding needed for the £90m project.
Following the cancellation of the northern leg of HS2 in 2023, the original A500 dualling scheme – which would have included a hub station in Crewe – was placed under review in 2024.
The council stated that it ‘worked with partners to develop a more affordable alternative' that would still allow it to tackle ‘key transport issues' along the route.
Included in the scheme were plans to help make journeys ‘safer, easier and more attractive' for active travel, as well as improve transport links, support future growth and encourage ‘more sustainable travel'.
Councillor Mark Goldsmith, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: ‘The Department for Transport's latest decision means that, for a second time, a significant opportunity to back the growth potential of Crewe has been lost.
‘The A500 is a vital gateway into the town and a key route for our residents, businesses and investors. Improvements to the corridor would have supported new employment and housing, improved people's journey times, created better transport connections and provided infrastructure capable of supporting our future economic aspirations.
‘It is a deeply disappointing decision for Crewe and for everyone who has worked hard alongside the council to develop a practical and affordable alternative scheme for the A500.
The council stated that it will now need to ‘fully assess the financial implications of withdrawing support of the scheme' and whether any part of the project could still be delivered.
Cllr Goldsmith added: ‘Despite today's announcement, it does not change our ambitions for Crewe. We will continue to work with partners, businesses and government to champion investment in the town and unlock opportunities for future growth and prosperity.
‘The new Combined Authority will have decision-making powers and funding for local transport initiatives, and we will work closely with regional partners to explore whether there are alternative opportunities to secure investment for delivery of the A500 scheme in the future.'
A DfT spokesperson said: 'The previous government did not fund these projects. Given the challenging financial picture we inherited, we have had to make difficult decisions on a number of road projects and can only progress schemes that are good value for money for taxpayers.
'We're backing drivers with over £1bn for 16 major road schemes that will deliver the most benefits to local people, on top of a record £7.3bn to repair local roads and fix potholes.'
