MOTORISTS are being warned to expect disruption on the A57 Hyde Road when the long-awaited pinch point widening scheme begins on Monday, January 27.
Manchester City Council’s appointed contractor, Eric Wright, will undertake the work – which is set to last until Winter 2020 – between Far Lane and Wall Way.
Signs in place ahead of the roadworks
Significant congestion and delays, particularly at peak times, are common at this pinch point, which suddenly reduces from four lanes to two with no clear warning to vehicles.
The council believes improvements to this section of the carriageway will significantly reduce congestion in both directions, reducing journey times, especially at peak hours.
The planned modifications include the creation of two new lanes – one in either direction – to make the road into a dual carriageway in both directions for its entire length.
Also planned is the demolition of the existing Fallowfield Loop railway bridge in order to replace it with a new, longer spanning bridge.
It is expected that two lanes of traffic can be maintained for the majority of the works, but that a full closure of the A57 will be in place to undertake work on the railway bridge.
The council has advised that closure of the road for the demolition will take place over a weekend early in the scheme, though an exact date has not yet been advised.
The lifting-in of the new bridge will be one of the last aspects of the project and will happen overnight, again with a full road closure in place.
Motorists are advised to allow extra time for their journeys during the roadworks.