Construction of the new A556 link road from Knutsford to Bowdon in Cheshire is now entering a key stage following start of work to install three of the route’s eventual seven bridges.

 

The £192M Highways England project, which will bypass the existing A556 to provide an improved connection between the M6 and M56, started in November and is due to complete in early 2017.

 

Bridges at Bowdon, Tabley and Millington are currently under construction alongside work to clear land for a new roundabout being delivered as part of the remodelled M56 junction 7. Earlier works by main contractor Costain included setting up the main project offices, installing boundary fencing and environmental mitigation measures.

 

Roads Minister Andrew Jones said: “The new road will divert heavy traffic away from local villages, making it is easier for residents to see friends and family and creating jobs and opportunities.”

 

Highways England has released new aerial photographs to show how work on the scheme is progressing, and has also launched a newsletter to keep local people up to date. Highways England project manager Jonathan Stokes said: “Aerial photographs provide us with useful information to help us with the construction of the road but also give us a perfect opportunity to share the progress we are making.”

 

♦ Highways England held a regional launch event in Manchester last week, where it set out its £1.5Bn five year plan for the North West. The strategic road network operator’s plans include creation of nearly 130km of Smart Motorway, with seven new schemes to start by 2020.

 

Highways England’s North West regional director Alan Shepherd said: “The North West’s motorways and dual carriageways form the backbone for the region’s economy and this huge investment will ensure they remain healthy for many years to come.”

 

(Photo: Highways England)