Major disruption ahead as Mottram Moor closure sparks outcry

Residents are preparing for disruption on the A57 at Mottram Moor this March, as part of the long‑running A57 Link Roads Project. 

National Highways has confirmed that Mottram Moor will be fully closed to all traffic for three weekends in March, to allow construction of a new plant crossing essential for the safe and efficient movement of construction materials across the A57. Outside the weekend closures, weekdays will see the road reduced to a single lane in both directions to keep works progressing. 

National Highways have stated that clearly signed diversion routes will be in place for the weekend closures, however they warn that drivers should be prepared for a significantly longer journey, with traffic redirected via Marple. High‑sided vehicles will be directed along an alternative diversion due to a low bridge on part of the route. 

Local people have taken to social media to express frustration and concern, warning that the closures could lead to widespread congestion and gridlock, particularly if motorists travelling from the A628 Woodhead Pass are unaware. Questions have also been raised about bus services, emergency vehicle access and the impact on everyday journeys for residents and businesses. 

A National Highways spokesperson said: 

“The weekend closures of Mottram Moor planned for March will allow us to safely build a plant crossing for the essential movement of construction vehicles. The crossing will enable construction materials to be moved safely and efficiently across the A57 between the new Link Roads. 

“We are working closely with Transport for Greater Manchester, local authorities, and emergency services to ensure that bus services can continue to operate. Emergency access and resident access will be maintained throughout the works.” 

National Highways said that the weekend closure dates are still being finalised and will be confirmed as soon as possible. They also reiterated that clearly signed diversion routes will be in place for the weekend closures, and stated that to help manage traffic ‘Portable Variable Message Signs’ (VMS) will be installed this week across the M60, M67 and Hollingworth to prevent motorists travelling toward Mottram Moor by mistake. 

National Highways added that the plant crossing, once installed, will remain in use later in the spring, and assured that extensive communications to the travelling public, local community, and key stakeholders are planned in order to help people plan their journeys. 

There is already strong local debate about the wider A57 Link Roads Scheme, with mixed public opinion on whether it will truly relieve traffic congestion through small villages like Tintwistle and Hollingworth. Critics argue the area could experience more traffic moving through local lanes once the road is completed. 

Work on this phased £228 million scheme is expected to continue until 2028, with further closures, lane restrictions and traffic management measures expected throughout. 

FULL LIST OF WORK UPDATES

1) ROE CROSS ROAD TEMPORARY ROAD AND PILING: 

Monday 26th January: 

For two weeks two way traffic lights will be installed on Roe Cross Road between 9:30am and 3:30pm each day in order to construct a protection slab for the utilities.  

Friday 6th February to Monday 9th February: 

National Highways are preparing to switch traffic onto a new temporary road layout at Roe Cross Road to allow us to build the Mottram underpass. To do this safely, Roe Cross Road will be closed from 7pm on Friday 6th February to 6am Monday 9 February.  

During this time, a fully signed diversion route will be in place from Stalybridge by: 

A6018, A635, Stockport Road (A6017), A57 Hyde Road Mottram, M67 Junction 4 

Following the closure, piling works will begin in order to build key structures including Mottram underpass. 

To reduce disruption, quieter construction techniques will be used, such as bored piling to reduce noise and vibration.  

2) M67 JUNCTION 4 MAIN WORKS: 

Monday 16th February: 

Traffic will be reduced to a single lane and diverted to the outer ring on the southbound section while work is carried out on the central roundabout area. 

There will still be two lanes in place at the northern half of the roundabout.  

To set up traffic management there will be a period of night-time closures planned for the week commencing Monday 16 February from 8pm to 6am. This will allow the safe installation of the inner ring management. Once the traffic management is in place, drainage and earthworks in the area will start. 

Once in place, this phase will include:  

• realigning kerbs 
• widening sections of the carriageway  
• installing a new two-lane “through-about” 
• upgrading lighting, signage, and CCTV to improve safety and efficiency  
• Creating bridleways  

Traffic management on the roundabout will remain in place until the end of the scheme. 

There will be some lane changes and some additional overnight closures throughout, but we’ll update again closer to the time.  

3) MOTTRAM MOOR PLANT CROSSING – MARCH 2026  

In March, Mottram Moor will be fully closed to all traffic for three weekends. 

This is to allow for the construction of a new plant crossing, which will enable construction materials to be moved safely and efficiently across the A57. 

In March, during the weekdays, Mottram Moor will be reduced to a single lane in both directions. Please leave extra time for travel.  

During weekend closures clearly signed diversion route will be in place from A57 Gun Inn by: 

A57 Woolley Bridge, A626, A627, A560, M67J4. 

High sided vehicles (over 16 foot) will use: 

A6017, M60 J25, M60 J24, M67J4 

MOTTRAM MOOR DIVERSION ROUTE: