A6 to Manchester Airport road

The A6 to Manchester Airport road project in the UK has obtained programme entry approval from the government, paving the way for a grant of £165m funding.

Subject to certain statutory procedures the project will be eligible for the funding, which is part of the total cost of £230m.

The new 6.2-mile dual carriageway road will consist of new sections of road between the M56 Manchester Airport spur and the existing A555; and between the A555 and the A6 at Hazel Grove.

The project will provide better access to Manchester Airport and to the Airport City Enterprise Zone.

HS2 Growth Taskforce chair and commercial secretary Lord Deighton said that the project is an example of the government’s willingness to unlock the key transport infrastructure that is vital to the regeneration of the economy.

"The scheme will significantly improve access from the east not only to the airport but also the Airport City Enterprise Zone."

"Making this funding available for new road links around Manchester Airport reflects this government’s commitment to drive growth in the economy and reduce congestion on our roads," Deighton added.

The scheme also includes other proposed development sites in the south Manchester corridor with improved connectivity in the region resulting in an estimated 5,450 new jobs.

Deighton said, "The scheme will significantly improve access from the east not only to the airport but also the Airport City Enterprise Zone. It will also relieve congestion in the south of the conurbation and support growth in the wider south Manchester corridor."

A common cycle and pedestrian path, widened pavements and new bus lanes are also being planned as part of the scheme.

Construction on the project is scheduled to start in January 2015 with completion expected in 2017.

Image: The proposed road will significantly improve access to Manchester Airport, and will provide better access to the Airport City Enterprise Zone. Photo courtesy of the Department for Transport.