Two MPs got the chance to ‘dig down’ into the detail during a visit to the site of archaeology surveys connected to National Highways’ A57 Links Road major project.
Robert Largan, MP for the High Peak and Jonathan Reynolds, Labour MP for Hyde and Stalybridge, checked out the ongoing activity during a fruitful tour.
The surveys are part of work to prepare for the delivery of the project should the Secretary of State choose to approve the DCO (Development Consent Order) application. National Highways wants to transform journeys between Manchester and Sheffield by creating a new bypass at Mottram.
The team on site are digging down to undisturbed ground level in 50m-long trial trenches. ‘Trial trenching’ is a technique used to establish the presence, condition and date of any archaeological remains which may be present.
The new £180 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.
More information about the Development Consent Order process can be found on the Planning Inspectorate’s website www.infastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk. For the latest information about the proposed improvements, visit https://highwaysengland.co.uk/our-work/north-west/a57-link-roads/
High Peak MP Robert Largan who is campaigning for the second phase of the bypass, has launched a petition in support of traffic projects for Tintwistle, which he is asking residents to sign. Residents can sign Robert's petition online at www.robertlargan.co.uk/tintwistletoo.
Robert Largan, MP for High Peak, said:
“It was great to check out the archaeological ground work taking place on the proposed route of the Mottram Bypass & Glossop Spur Road.
“It's really exciting to see actual diggers and work going on, in preparation for the anticipated proper construction start date next year.
“After over 50 years, we're the closest we've ever been to getting the bypass built.
“We've still got to go through the Development Consent Order process and that means we've all got to keep working hard to show our support for the scheme. Glossop Labour Party are campaigning to block the bypass. We must not let them succeed
“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.”
National Highways senior project manager Andy Dawson said:
“We were delighted to welcome Jonathan and Robert and take them on a tour. The surveys are an important part of the process because they help inform the design of the scheme.
“It was also nice to tell them about a couple of interesting discoveries. The team have found two flints which show the location of Middle Stone Age hunter-gatherer camps and activity sites.”
