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).
The proposed relief road will provide about 10 kilometres of new dual carriageway linking the A6 at Hazel Grove to the eastern end of the existing A555 at Woodford Road, Bramhall and from the western end of the existing A555 at Wilmslow Road, Handforth to Manchester Airport.
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 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.
A new pedestrian and cycle route is proposed for the whole length of the scheme including the existing A555.
Cheshire East Council along with Stockport Council and Manchester City councils are consulting on the road scheme in two phases. The first phase of consultation, which is now underway, runs until 25th January 2013 and will allow the three councils to ask for views on junction options to help determine a preferred scheme.
The second phase will follow in spring 2013 when the three councils will seek views on the preferred scheme, prior to the submission of a planning application in summer 2013.
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, 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.
Further information on the consultation is also available on the SEMMMS website www.semmms.info The website will also includes an online version of the questionnaire which must be completed by 25th January 2013.
Public exhibitions for the A6 to Manchester Airport Relief Road will also be held at Handforth Dean Community Centre on Old Road from 10:00am to 4:00pm on Saturday 3rd November and from 10:00am to 8:00pm on Monday 5th November.
Images above are artist impressions of the draft indicative scheme.
