Work starting 'imminently' on long awaited A57 upgrade between Manchester and Sheffield
The A57 upgrade is promising to reduce journey times and drive growth.
The long made promise to improve congestion between Manchester and Sheffield is - we're told - finally coming to fruition as work gets underway imminently on the A57 upgrade.
Following another commitment to the £250 million road in the budget last week, spades are due in the ground for what will be a three year project to bypass the bottleneck that is Mottram Moor.
The scheme will see the creation of two new links roads and will be integral to growing the region’s economy, making jobs more accessible but also accelerating the delivery of goods.
Towns and villages on both sides of the Pennines have long suffered from slow journey times, congestion and rat-running around the surrounding roads, which has in turn stunted economic growth across the region.
Once complete, the Government says the A57 upgrade will drastically decrease journey times, as well as offering local communities better connectivity and reduced noise and air pollution.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: “Investment in our transport infrastructure is vital to delivering our growth mission. Without improvements to our roads and rail we won’t be able to create jobs and boost business, which is why I prioritised projects like the Transpennine Route Upgrade and the long awaited A57 upgrade in the Budget last week.
“Securing the delivery of these two important schemes brings our key Northern economic centres closer together. This Government is ending fourteen years of neglect of the north, instead bolstering the region’s immense growth power to benefit the whole country.”
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh said: "Reliable, well-connected transport links are crucial to driving up productivity and unlocking opportunities for jobs, education and businesses across our towns and cities.
“But for too long, the North’s transport infrastructure has been neglected.
“That's why I am delighted the Chancellor's first Budget secured the delivery of two multi-billion-pound projects that will be vital for rail and road journeys across the North of England.
“I look forward to working on the successful delivery of both schemes that will make a huge different to people's everyday journeys – making travelling between these great towns and cities quicker, easier and greener.”
Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham said: “After years of failed promises, it’s a real statement of intent from this new government that will provide quicker, more reliable journeys for millions of people, and help to unlock the enormous potential of the North as an engine for growth.
"That traffic as it comes over the hills ruins peoples lives, people just get so fed up with it. So congratulations to Jonny Reynolds, one of the local MP's who's obviously in the cabinet as well. He's clearly made the argument for it and it's really good to see it coming forward."