RESIDENTS using Mottram Moor are being warned to expect significant delays in March as essential works take place on the busy A57.
National Highways had originally planned to close the road for three consecutive weekends, but say a “routine review of the construction programme” had “identified a different approach” to keep the road open.
Traffic will instead be controlled by temporary lights from 7pm on Friday, March 13, until 6am on Monday, March 16, and again from 7pm on Friday, March 20, until 6am on Monday, March 23.
The works involve installing utility services and building a new plant crossing, which will allow construction materials to be moved safely across the road.
During the aforementioned weekends, motorists will pass through a single-file system in both directions, as the temporary lights replace the existing set-up at Back Moor.
Between the two weekends, from 6am on Monday, March 16, to 7pm on Friday, March 20, the road will be reduced to one lane in each direction. Residents are being advised to check before travelling and allow extra time for their journeys.
People travelling between Manchester and Sheffield are being strongly encouraged by National Highways to find alternative routes during the works.
Access for residents, bus services and emergency vehicles will be maintained at all times, with marshals on site around the clock to manage traffic flow.
National Highways add that the new plant crossing is expected to be in use after Easter. Once operational, its impact on traffic will be monitored and adjustments made if needed to reduce disruption.
The works form part of the £228 million A57 Link Roads scheme, designed to ease long-standing congestion on one of the main routes between Manchester and Sheffield.
Plans include a new dual carriageway from the end of the M67 through a Mottram underpass to the A57 east of Back Moor, as well as a new single carriageway linking Mottram Moor to Woolley Bridge.
Two new junctions – Mottram Moor Junction and Woolley Bridge Junction – are planned, alongside improvements to M67 junction 4.
Five new structures are set to be delivered, including the Roe Cross Road Overbridge, the Mottram Underpass and the River Etherow Bridge.
The full scheme is currently scheduled for completion in 2029.