A new bypass is to be delivered as part of a £242 million improvement project for motorists travelling on the Manchester to Sheffield Trans-Pennine route,

Highways England has chosen its preferred route for the A57 Mottram bypass scheme after road users backed the option during a public consultation event held earlier this year.

In addition, the company has confirmed it will deliver upgrades at Westwood roundabout at Tankersley in South Yorkshire which links the A61 and A616, as well as carry out further work to refine options for the dualling of the A61 between Westwood roundabout and the M1.

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Plans for climbing lanes on the A628 are also being considered.

Tim Gamon, Highways England's Regional Delivery Director for the North West, said: "More than 1,000 people attended the public information events we held on both sides of the Pennines earlier this year and almost 900 people responded to the consultation – with half backing the option selected for a new link from the M67 terminal roundabout to a new junction at A57(T) Mottram Moor - near Back Moor - and a link from there to a new junction on the A57 at Brookfield.

"Most people felt these improvements struck a good balance in terms of convenience for drivers, reduced impact on local communities and improved safety."

The improvements will be presented in a statutory consultation next year with construction set to start in early 2020.

(LM)