Hemma Visavadia
Guest Reporter
A new road project has been given the green light after receiving funds in last week's Budget announcement which will improve connections between Manchester and Sheffield.
The long-awaited A57 link road upgrade, which has been in the pipeline for more than seven years, has secured £250million in funding following last week's Budget announcement, with works set to begin in the coming weeks.
The major infrastructure project aims to transform transport links across the north of England, addressing long-standing connectivity issues between Manchester and Sheffield.
The announcement comes as part of a broader transport investment package that includes both road and rail improvements across the northern region.
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For years, residents and road users have been plagued with slow journey times, congestion and rat-running around surrounding roads, which has hampered economic growth in the area.
The A57 and A628 routes between Manchester and Sheffield currently face severe congestion issues, leading to unreliable journey times and have significantly impacted local businesses.
Local communities have been particularly affected, with heavy traffic flowing through residential roads. The problems have also made it difficult and potentially unsafe for pedestrians to cross streets in affected areas.
Chancellor 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." The Chancellor added that the Government is "ending 14 years of neglect of the north."
In 2017, following extensive consultation on different options, authorities announced a comprehensive Trans-Pennine Upgrade package to improve the route connecting the M67 at Mottram in Longdendale to the M1, north of Sheffield.
Without intervention, transport officials warned these problems will only worsen over time. The approved scheme will create two new strategic link roads to address the region's transport challenges.
The first will be the Mottram Moor Link Road, a new dual carriageway connecting the M67 J4 roundabout to a new junction on the A57(T) at Mottram Moor.
The second development, known as the A57 Link Road, will provide a single-carriageway connection from the A57(T) at Mottram Moor to a new junction on the A57 at Woolley Bridge.
The new link roads form a crucial part of the new Labour Government's broader strategy to enhance northern transport infrastructure.
Transport Secretary Louise Haigh highlighted the critical nature of reliable transport links, saying: "Reliable, well-connected transport links are crucial to driving up productivity and unlocking opportunities for jobs, education and businesses across our towns and cities."
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham welcomed the investment, noting that after years of “failed promises”, the improvements will provide quicker, more reliable journeys for millions of people. Once complete, the A57 upgrade promises significant benefits for both commuters and local communities.
The scheme also aims to reconnect local communities by creating better conditions for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians.
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The project forms part of a broader £500million investment in local highways maintenance, which will support everyday journeys and help local authorities address road repairs.
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