Bid for Middlewich eastern bypass shows high value for money

 

Cheshire East Council has responded to the outcomes of the Middlewich transport consultation with a multi-million pound bid to government to build a bypass.

The development of the £58.5 million Middlewich eastern bypass scheme to date has been backed with money from the Department for Transport’s (DfT) funding programme for fast track major schemes.

The bid submission demonstrates that the scheme will provide value-for-money in terms of relieving congestion, improving journey times and unlocking growth. 

It is intended to secure a government funding contribution which – along with private sector contributions and one from Cheshire East – will enable delivery of the scheme.

The Middlewich eastern bypass was one of only seven schemes nationally to have been awarded a share of £10 million funding through the DfT fast track programme for taking the preparation of the scheme through to its next stage.

In the recent transport consultation for Middlewich, when asked what their top priority was for improving transport connectivity, sixty one per cent stated it was building a bypass.

Councillor David Brown, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for highways and infrastructure, said: “I am delighted that the bid document clearly demonstrates what a good scheme this will be for Middlewich.

“Middlewich residents have been very clear about what they want and this brings us one step clearer to achieving that.

“We recognise that the transport infrastructure of Middlewich needs attention.  Considerable work has been completed to demonstrate to government the importance of the eastern bypass and this council is determined to deliver this for the people and businesses of Middlewich.”

“By delivering this bypass to Middlewich, we will be able to create 6,500 jobs and nearly 2,000 homes not to mention reducing traffic congestion both in the town and on the strategic network linking mid-Cheshire to the M6.”

The outline business case has now been presented to the DfT and will be considered by the Transport Minister this summer.