A TEMPORARY plant crossing is set to come into use as major construction work continues in Mottram on the long-awaited A57 Link Roads scheme.
The crossing, which has been installed on Mottram Moor, will allow construction vehicles to move excavated earth and stone between different parts of the site.
Work is progressing on the multi-million-pound project, ultimately aimed at easing congestion between Manchester and Sheffield.
National Highways says more than 100,000 tonnes of material will be reused within the scheme, cutting the number of construction vehicle trips on surrounding roads by around 8,000.
Traffic lights will control the crossing, with motorists expected to face short waits of between 60 and 90 seconds when vehicles need to pass through. The crossing is expected to remain in place for up to three years.
The project has now moved into its main construction phase following months of preparation work, including piling for a new underpass in Mottram, the construction of a through-road at Hattersley roundabout, and installation of the crossing itself.
Andrew Scatchard, Senior Project Manager at National Highways, said: “To build the new Link Roads, large volumes of earth and stone need to be moved across Mottram Moor. Reusing material in this way will reduce heavy vehicle movements on the wider road network and lower carbon emissions.
“The new plant crossing will enable this to be done safely, quickly and efficiently, causing minimum disruption to people’s journeys.”
Testing of the crossing is due to take place during May before it becomes fully operational.
The crossing will operate between 7.30am and 6pm on weekdays, with occasional weekend use expected during busier construction periods, particularly in drier weather.
National Highways said traffic flows will be monitored in real time using CCTV, while emergency vehicles will always be prioritised. They added that access to homes, businesses and local amenities will remain open throughout the works.
Andrew added: “We anticipate some short delays at peak times, but we will do everything we can to minimise disruption. Drivers will be held for short periods only at the temporary traffic lights when construction vehicles cross. We thank the local community for their support and patience while we continue our work.”
The wider A57 Link Roads scheme has been designed to tackle long-standing congestion problems in Mottram and improve journey reliability across the Trans-Pennine route.