Plans to reduce traffic in Glossop received a major boost this week after Highways England’s proposal to build the Mottram bypass took a significant step forward.
The new £228 million bypass includes a new dual carriageway that would run from the end of the M67 (junction 4) and through a new underpass to the north of Mottram, in Longdendale. The road would then join the A57 east of the junction with the A6018 (Black Moor).
A new single carriageway road is also planned to link the A57 from Mottram Moor to Woolley Bridge, taking traffic away from the current route of the A57 along Woolley Lane.
The Planning Inspectorate has accepted Highways England’s application for a Development Consent Order (DCO), and the submitted documents can now be formally assessed as part of the planning process, providing people with the opportunity to comment in writing and take part in hearings.
The inspectorate will then make its recommendation to the Secretary of State and, if a DCO is granted, it will pave the way for construction to begin.
Around 25,000 vehicles travel along the A57 through Mottram every day, including over 2,000 HGVs, which is equivalent to one lorry entering the village every 42 seconds.
As part of the plans, a combined footpath and cycleway would run alongside the new single carriageway road, connecting Mottram to the coast-to-coast Trans Pennine Trail at Woolley Bridge.
The mainly traffic-free route is part of the national cycle network and winds 215 miles across the Pennines between Southport and Hornsea. Assessments have shown that the scheme would lead to an overall improvement in air quality.
More information about the Development Consent Order process can be found on the Planning Inspectorate’s website at www.infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/
For the latest information about the proposed improvements, visit highwaysengland.co.uk/our-work/north-west/a57-link-roads/
Glossop resident and High Peak MP Robert Largan said:
“Local people have been waiting for this bypass to be built for over 50 years.
“The decision by the Planning Inspectorate to accept Highways England’s application for a Development Consent Order means the bypass is another step closer to construction.
“I know residents will be encouraged by this significant progress, but we’ve had promises before and had our hopes dashed. I’ll continue to fight for the bypass until it gets built.
“I’m also keenly aware that the current bypass plan doesn’t give a proper traffic solution for Tintwistle.
“That’s why I’m still fighting for phase two of the bypass to be built around Hollingworth and Tintwistle too.”
Andy Dawson, Highways England’s project manager, said:
“The decision to accept our DCO application represents an important milestone for the scheme, not only for us as the project team but for all those who have supported this project over a number of years.”
