More roadworks in line for huge bypass scheme

Motorists going through Mottram Moor can expect delays in the coming weeks as progress on the bypass ‘60 years in the making’ continues.

Work on the new A57 link road scheme began last year, with disruptions being a bugbear for locals and commuters going through the rural area.

The Mottram bypass has been an ongoing saga in Tameside for decades, but now it is close to a reality with spades going in the ground back in May 2025. The A57 link road scheme, estimated to be worth around £228m, is designed to tackle congestion between Manchester and Sheffield.

Now National Highways has told motorists to expect ‘significant delays’ over two weekends next month. Mottram Moor will remain open with just one lane of traffic monitored by temporary lights.

Roadworks take place from 7pm on Friday until 6am on Monday on March 13-16 and March 20-23. 

According to National Highways, the work involves installing utility services and building a new plant crossing. This will allow construction materials to be moved safely and efficiently across the A57 as part of the major scheme.

The National Highways update read: “Mottram Moor will remain open under temporary traffic lights. These lights will replace the existing arrangements at Back Moor. 

“Drivers will pass through the temporary lights in a single file system in both directions for safety. We had originally planned to complete this phase of work under full weekend closures. 

“Following a routine review of our construction programme, we identified a different approach that allows us to keep the road open. 

“This will impact journeys, so we’re advising road users to check before you travel and allow additional time.

“After Easter, the new plant crossing will be in use. Once the crossing is live, we will monitor how it is affecting journeys and take steps to act where needed to keep disruption to a minimum.”

The A57 Link Roads project includes the creation of two new link roads. One is Mottram Moor Link Road – a new dual carriageway from the M67 junction 4 roundabout to a new junction on the A57 at Mottram Moor.

The other is the A57 Link Road – a new single carriageway link from the A57 at Mottram Moor to a new junction on the A57 in Woolley Bridge.

The bypass going past Mottram has always been a talking point in the area since the M67 was built. Currently the short motorway runs from the eastern side of the M60 at Denton all the way to a roundabout next to the Hattersley Tesco – where congestion is notoriously heavy at peak times.

The A57 link roads scheme is estimated to be up and running by 2028, but a full completion date could be as late as 2031, according to the National Highways website.