Highways Agency bosses reassure residents that A556 bypass route has not changed (From Knutsford Guardian)

8:00am Tuesday 7th July 2009

HIGHWAYS Agency bosses have reassured residents that the route for an A556 bypass had not changed.

They confirmed that almost 2,000ft of road near the M6 roundabout would now be updated as part of the project.

But the Highways Agency said that would not change the bypass plans that residents backed last year.

“We’re working on the preferred route announcement,” said Manuelle Salathe, senior project manager.

“There’s no change of plan.”

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Last month the Highways Agency said the M6 roundabout near Knutsford could be included in proposals for the bypass.

It said the changes were being considered after similar plans were shelved as part of a motorway widening scheme.

However, last week the Highways Agency said the roundabout would now not be part of the bypass proposals.

“We’re not doing anything to the roundabout,” said Mrs Salathe.

“There’s another scheme that was based on the M6.

“There are plans to improve the roundabout, but they’re in very early stages.”

The Highways Agency wants to turn part of the A556 back into a 30mph country lane.

It would then build a new dual carriageway from Over Tabley to the M56 roundabout, bypassing Mere and Bucklow Hill.

Those plans were revealed in the Knutsford Guardian about six month ago and then backed by 83% of people in a public consultation.

However, the Highways Agency will now have to include the extra 2,000ft of road in separate proposals.

It plans to ask residents for their views on the new plans in the autumn.

“The additional consultation is a very minimal part to the overall scheme,” said Mrs Salathe.

Land in the proposed bypass area is now being protected from development in preparation for the project.

Officials are expected to reveal more detailed plans later this year and a public inquiry could then be held in 2010.

However, the Highways Agency must first choose a consortium to build the bypass.

That process has been delayed because it took longer than expected for officials to complete the necessary paperwork.

“We’ve been a bit delayed in preparing the tender document,” said Mrs Salathe.

Reports in trade magazines have suggested that several bidders are now competing for the job.

But last week the Highways Agency said no details were available yet.

If the scheme is approved, the final plans will be submitted in 2011, work could start by 2012 and the bypass should be completed by 2015.

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