A project to dual the A500 between the M6 and Meremoor Moss roundabout has moved closer with £53 million of Government funding secured.
The £68.7 million scheme has now secured programme entry subject to final approval, says Cheshire East Council.
The project, which secured planning permission in April 2019, would dual the 3.4 km section of the A500 between the M6 at junction 16 and Meremoor Moss roundabout.
It is currently the only stretch of the A500 corridor that is single carriageway.
Cllr Craig Browne, Cheshire East Council deputy leader and cabinet member for strategic transport, said: “Dualling this section of the A500 is a major project, designed specifically to improve traffic flow and connectivity and would complete the dualling of this key route.
“The scheme will address existing congestion issues at peak times, increase network resilience and improve safety, as well as facilitate the development of key strategic sites in our Local Plan and secure future economic growth in and around Crewe, particularly from the construction and operation of HS2 and a HS2 hub station in Crewe.
“The A500 is a key piece of infrastructure that links Crewe and surrounding areas to the M6 and across the important A50/ A500 corridor.
“It was a key component of plans to boost strategic connectivity for key businesses in the region and access to what will be the nationally important HS2 Crewe hub station.
“I’d like to thank our colleagues in the strategic Constellation Partnership, who also lobbied government to get this project the green light.”
The scheme will see Meremoor Moss roundabout enlarged to create additional capacity.
Where local roads cross the A500, at Barthomley Road and Radway Green Road, bridges will be lengthened to accommodate the wider road beneath.
The scheme has already received planning approval and a recent application for small amendments.
It’s hoped construction work will start in early 2021, and could take around two years to complete.
Crewe & Nantwich MP Dr Kieran Mullan MP has welcomed the funding.
He said: “This scheme is going to help people get home to their families earlier and support business growth in Crewe and the region.
“That is why I was determined to push for us to get this funding and it demonstrates this governments commitment to build, build, build its way out of the current crisis.”
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps added: “Kieran made a very strong case for the importance of this project to Crewe and I want to thank him for his persistence in pushing to get this over the line.
“This government is determined to invest in our regions so the North West and other areas can reach their full potential.
“I know Kieran will carry on making the case for investment opportunities across Crewe and Nantwich.”
For more information, visit the council website at: www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/highways_and_roads/roadworks/major-projects/a500-dualling.aspx
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