What's the purpose of this project, what are the benefits and why are the changes taking place?
How was this decided, were the proposals consulted and who approved them?
How much is it all costing and how is it funded? Can this money not be used for other things?
Who has developed the proposals and who is delivering them on site?
What are the improvements for general traffic?
Why is the A34 / A560 Gatley Road junction not being improved?
How long is construction going to take?
How is disruption going to be managed during this period?
How can I find out about the works taking place?
What's the impact of this project on the environment?
How can I contact the project team?
What's the purpose of this project, what are the benefits and why are the changes taking place?
The A34 is recognised as being a key bottleneck. This project is being delivered to enhance active travel connectivity, unlock growth potential and ease congestion in the area.
The changes are to support residents, businesses and all users of the A34 corridor with enhanced walk, wheel and cycle opportunities, improved junctions and increased capacity on the local highway network. This will also support the delivery of and mitigate the impact of any new development in the area, including housing. Replacement of the existing subway under the A34 at Kingsway School will also provide a better link for the split-school site and general east-west connectivity.
We're working with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) across the borough to reduce air pollution and tackle climate change whilst also encouraging people to become more active. A large part of this approach is making it easier for residents to increase the amount of walking, wheeling and cycling they do on a daily basis. The active travel improvements provide connections to the wider and expanding Greater Manchester Bee Network.
How was this decided, were the proposals consulted and who approved them?
A series of proposals were consulted in autumn 2020. These were supported and received approval to be delivered by the Stockport Council Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration in February 2021, following recommendations from Local Members at Area Committees. More information about this is available via the links at the bottom of our A34 page.
Following the subsequent development and submission of our Full Business Case, the government approved funding for delivery in 2023.
How much is it all costing and how is it funded? Can this money not be used for other things?
The government is investing £33.6 million in the delivery of this project, securing this required a demonstration of value for money within our Full Business Case. The improvements are forecast to generate £76.8 million in direct economic benefits while boosting transport links to Manchester Airport.
This funding is specifically available to the Major Road Network (MRN), the middle tier of the country’s busiest and most economically important local authority ‘A’ roads, sitting between the national Strategic Road Network (SRN) and the rest of the local road network.
Who has developed the proposals and who is delivering them on site?
The project is being led by the council with in-house management, design and other specialist teams, with its development supported by partner consultants and delivery primarily by contractors from its framework.
The proposals were developed by the council in close liaison and co-ordination with Traffic Signal and Active Travel specialists at TfGM.
What are the improvements for general traffic?
The project includes a series of junction layout changes to increase capacity, reduce congestion, improve safety and provide enhanced information for drivers by way of new variable message signs. This includes new / extended lanes and/or widening at the Stanley Green, Cheadle Royal and Eden Park roundabouts. The introduction of traffic signals at Wilmslow Road / Broadway should also make exiting Broadway easier.
Why is the A34 / A560 Gatley Road junction not being improved?
The project includes significant measures to enhance walk, wheel and cycle opportunities along the A34 corridor which in turn should lead to a reduction in car trips. A future phase of the project may include physical works to the Gatley Road junction, subject to further funding and consultation.
It has been reviewed as to whether the junction would benefit from additional green time being given to Gatley Road, but this would result in considerable additional queuing and delay on the A34, including back to the M60 mainline. We'll continue to monitor the operation of this junction with TfGM, who manages the signals, during delivery of our first phase of works.
How long is construction going to take?
Construction is planned between 2024 and 2028. The works are being delivered in phases, planned and co-ordinated to manage all forms of disruption as much as possible.
The interactive map on our A34 page provides the indicative construction programme. Our delivery programme will continually develop as the detailed designs progress and we plan the works in co-ordination with our Contractors and other delivery partners, and other activities in the area.
The first phases around Gatley Road, Wilmslow Road and Broadway (off the A34) are being constructed through 2024. Up to date information about the works taking place is on our Roadworks page.
How is disruption going to be managed during this period?
We've put lots of time and effort into undertaking site investigation works to inform our design and construction methodology, specifically to understand as best we can the underground service locations, drainage and other ground characteristics.
We also work closely with our designers and contractors to develop a balanced construction methodology which enables the safest and most efficient working, while managing all forms of disruption. We'll always be mindful of the sensitivity of this corridor and the variety of stakeholders we have along it, which ranges from different road users, local residents and businesses.
Traffic management of various forms will be required to ensure works can be carried out safely and efficiently. This will be minimised as far as possible and we'll always seek to co-ordinate different elements of the works as much as we can.
During delivery of our first phases of works around Gatley Road, Wilmslow Road and Broadway, works will generally be carried out during the daytime, Monday to Friday, with evening and weekend working only if required. Some traffic management will be required, including temporary traffic signals which will be restricted to off-peak periods. More information about the works taking place is on our Roadworks page.
More generally and where appropriate, we'll explore the possibility of employing extended working hours, and make sure work is carried out during holiday periods or overnight to complete tasks that may be particularly disruptive to traffic. This is not always possible depending on the nature of the works being carried out.
We recognise some disruption will be unavoidable, and that different stakeholders will have different sensitivities. The impact of the works will be closely monitored with changes made to address this where necessary and practical. This will include close liaison with TfGM and neighbouring highway authorities.
How can I find out about the works taking place?
Up to date information about the works taking place is on our Roadworks page. We'll write to local residents, businesses and other key stakeholders in advance of works taking place, and provide information to road users by way of signage when necessary.
What's the impact of this project on the environment?
This project is ultimately supporting our efforts across the borough to reduce air pollution and tackle climate change whilst also encouraging people to become more active. A large part of this approach is making it easier for residents to increase the amount of walking, wheeling and cycling they do on a daily basis.
The council is trying to minimise the amount of carbon used during the construction process and improve biodiversity by planting new trees and improving habitats along the route.
How can I contact the project team?
Up to date information about the works taking place is on our Roadworks page.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the project team on 0161 474 2299, or at a34improvements@stockport.gov.uk.
To report an out-of-hours emergency on site, please call 0161 474 5555.
