Highways Agency withdraw Mottram - Tintwistle bypass scheme

On Wednesday 24th March 2009 the Highways Agency announced their withdrawal from the current Mottram-Tintwistle bypass Public Inquiry.

Announcing the withdrawal from the current Public Inquiry, the Highways Agency's Major Projects Director, Nirmal Kotecha, said:

'We would like to thank all those who have taken the time to express an opinion about the A57/A628 bypass scheme.

'Draft proposals for the scheme were published in 2007. Since then a Public Inquiry has been started and adjourned and there have been changes to the traffic model and the environmental statement. After careful consideration we therefore feel it is appropriate to withdraw from the current adjourned Inquiry and re-start statutory processes, subject to further advice to Ministers by 4NW. It is important that all parties to the Inquiry have a fair opportunity to understand and test the evidence base for the scheme.'

The construction of the proposed bypass would not have directly affected the route of the Trans Pennine Trail. However, the building of the bypass was predicted increase the volume of traffic using the already very busy road which the Trans Pennine Trail crosses three times in the Woodhead pass area.

updated 25th March 2009