3:00pm Friday 3rd August 2012
By James Wilson
HIGHWAYS Agency bosses have approved minor changes to the plans for the A556 bypass.
The Government body held a consultation earlier this year into the plans for the road and after taking on board some of the recommendations from locals and motorists, the new plans have been revealed.
Changes made to the scheme design so far include: Tabley Junction amended to incorporate Old Hall Lane diversion; combined Green Bridge access track/overpass introduced; A50 diversion to include roundabout and A50 northbound on-slip; additional facilities for non-motorised users under consideration as part of the de-trunking works; Chapel Lane overpass included and re-aligned to the south; Millington Hall Lane-Chapel Lane link removed; Millington Junction amended to include southbound off-slip only with no overbridge and a Rostherne overpass amended to allow vehicular access as well as access for non-motorised users.
A spokesperson for the Highways Agency said: “We would like to thank everyone who took the time to respond to our consultation.
“In the winter, we will submit the consultation report and at the same time we will put in our application for development consent to the Planning Inspectorate. Under the Planning Act 2008, you will have another opportunity to engage with the plans for the scheme (by commenting, supporting or objecting).
“Rather than wait until the winter, we believe it is important to update the local community now, before the summer holidays. So, we are outlining the main elements of the post-consultation design, as this will confirm our way forward for the scheme including the junction strategy, and outline those comments which we are already taking on board in the design.
“We did receive an alternative scheme proposal, but we are not planning to progress this as an option, as our assessment is that it would not deliver value for money, and would result in more traffic on local lanes in rural communities. Our consultation report will include our detailed response on this too.”
If anyone has questions or comments email a556knutsfordbowdon@highways. gsi.gov.uk or write to Piccadilly Gate, Store Street, Manchester M1 2WD or call the Highways Agency Information Line on 0300 123 5000.
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