PREPARATIONS are being put in place ahead of the construction of the much-debated A57 link roads in Tameside.
Motorists and cyclists are being warned of lane closures around Mottram, as a result of the
preliminary works.
From 8pm on Monday, January 13, to 6am on Tuesday, January 14, a lane closure will take effect on Mottram Moor between the Back Moor traffic lights and the Gun Inn pub in Hollingworth.
Traffic will be in single file in both directions as a pedestrian island is removed, which National Highways say will “allow for more flexible layout adjustments in the future”.
Then, from Sunday, January 19, a section of the road between the Back Moor traffic lights and the bus layby will see an eastbound lane closure, with single file traffic in both directions.
This will remain in place for the duration of the project, which is expected to take three years to
complete.
“It will enable critical work to take place, such as utility diversions which is one of our first activities,” a spokesperson for National Highways said.
“We want to reassure you that we are committed to minimising disruption to road users and residents, whilst ensuring work is carried out safely.”
They add that further roadwork dates are yet to be confirmed and will be announced in due course.
On Roe Cross Road, the traffic island has been removed and new traffic lanes have been installed between the junctions of Stalybridge Road and Edge Lane.
One lane has been maintained in each direction, while narrowed lanes will be in place until the link roads have been constructed.
Two new link roads will be built including a dual carriageway from M67 Junction 4 to a new junction on the A57(T) at Mottram Moor, and a new single carriageway link from the A57(T) at Mottram Moor to a new junction on the A57 in Woolley Bridge.
More than 50 years in the waiting, the project – which seeks to reduce congestion through Mottram and increase reliability of journeys between Manchester and Sheffield – was given the final go-ahead last year after legal challenges failed.