Have your say on A6-to-Manchester Airport relief road scheme

 

Now is your chance to have a say in shaping a major relief road scheme in Cheshire East.

A public consultation is under way on the A6-to-Manchester Airport Relief Road project – also known as the South East Manchester Multi-Modal Strategy (SEMMMS).

A four-page leaflet has been delivered to 85,000 homes and businesses throughout areas of Cheshire East, Stockport and Manchester, to give an overview of the scheme and explain how residents, businesses and road users can find out more and get involved in shaping the proposals. 

A second 16-page leaflet is now being delivered to homes and businesses (started October 22), which gives further information on the junction options that are being consulted on. This second leaflet also includes a freepost questionnaire so people can comment on the proposals.

Councillor Jamie Macrae, Cheshire East Cabinet member in charge of prosperity and economic regeneration, said: “This is a hugely significant project, both for Cheshire East and the south Manchester region and it is now about to become a reality. So it is crucial that local residents and businesses have their say and influence this exciting and long-sought-after scheme.

“This is a ‘once in a generation’ opportunity to influence a hugely significant scheme that aims to create jobs, improve communities and boost economic growth by greatly improving connectivity.

“It also aims to deliver greater business integration and productivity by improving traffic efficiency; promote job creation and regeneration; reduce the impact of traffic congestion on communities; improve safety for all road users and support greener, lower-carbon travel.”

The proposed £290m relief road will provide about 10 kilometres of new dual carriageway from the A6 near Hazel Grove to Manchester Airport and the M56 via the existing A555.

A new pedestrian and cycle route is proposed for the whole length of the scheme including the existing A555.

Further information on the consultation is also available on the SEMMMS website www.semmms.info

The website will also include an online version of the questionnaire.

To raise awareness of the consultation and to ensure everyone has an opportunity to give their views, the road scheme and website is being promoted on road signs and advertised on buses, on the radio and in local newspapers.

The expected total cost of the road scheme is £290m. This is made up of a contribution of £165m from central Government, with the remainder of the funding being provided by the Greater Manchester Transport Fund.

Some of the funding will be used to help improve the supporting highways infrastructure within Cheshire East.