Major Schemes and the Wider Strategic Network

Major Schemes and the wider Strategic Network

This Chapter details the County Council’s priorities for taking Quartile Two 5.3 Cheshire’s major scheme priorities forward Major Scheme projects between 2006 and 2011. It also Work is being co-ordinated by Government Offices. Their task is to  Northwich Vision; reviews longer-term major scheme aspirations and outlines Cheshire’s initial proposals for transport major schemes were set provide information on regional transport priorities over a ten year  Highway Agency and Strategic Rail Authority schemes which are Chester Transport Strategy; period up to and including 2015/16. This information and advice out in our Provisional Local Transport Plan which was published in proposed to be taken forward during the LTP period. This takes  was submitted to the Government in January 2006. This will be Middlewich Eastern Bypass; and July 2005. Our longer-term transport aspirations are set out in the into account the issues and implications of the Regional Funding Structure Plan. used to help inform Government policy development and, more  A55 / A483 Chester Business Park Junction Improvement Allocations exercise. critically, public spending decisions that affect the regions. (Highways Agency scheme). The County Council believes that sustained and targeted Noting the outcome of the Regional Funding Allocation exercise, investment in major transport projects over the next ten years will Although the transport element of the Regional Funding Allocation Quartile Three Government Office for the North West have instructed local be a critical factor in helping Cheshire meet our vision long term makes some £1.35 billion available to the North West up to authorities in the region not to set out schemes in terms of a  No schemes. Local Transport Strategy and secure our economic, social and 2015/16, over £4 billion of potential schemes are in competition for priority order. environmental objectives. This is critical because: the funds available. Some £235 million of this is already Quartile Four  committed.  A500 On-line improvements; Cheshire’s economy is the third fastest growing and fifth most prosperous in the country; Therefore, the Government is seeking robust advice from the  A54 Improvements (Winsford – Middlewich – M6); and  5.1 Introduction regions to enable affordable programmes to be planned. This Whilst we do all we can to reduce traffic and congestion,  Route upgrade linking Wilmslow, Macclesfield to M6 Junction advice includes: encourage public transport and other measures we do face The Government has made it clear that there is limited funding 17. critical capacity issues on parts of our road and rail network; available to fund local authorities major scheme proposals over the  A clear outline of the objectives for the region which proposed The preliminary study also sets out a guide for spending profiles  The M6, M56, A556, West Coast Main Line and access to them next five years. A major scheme is defined as a large scale transport investment is intended to address (whether these be and investment programmes between 2006/07 and 2015/16 for are vital to the functioning of the region; transport project that will cost more than £5 million. Schemes transport or other objectives) in the context of the region’s schemes in the top quartile. The phasing and proposed  which will be approved must deliver best value for money and overall objectives; Our prosperity is vital to meeting regional aims to boost wealth investment for Cheshire schemes is set out in Table 5.1 below. and prosperity. Over the next ten years we will be contributing demonstrate how they will contribute towards the delivery of the  A clear outline of what transport interventions, affordable within over £138 billion extra to the regional economy – the North national Shared Priority for Transport objectives. the planning assumptions, are considered priorities for the The transport programme has been integrated with those for housing and economy and have been submitted to the Ministers. West Development Agencies new Regional Economic Strategy The provisional LTP set out details of Cheshire’s existing the achievement of those objectives; Final decisions are anticipated in the spring of this year. sets out to support Cheshire’s development – ‘Investing in scheme priorities (A34 Alderley Edge and Nether Alderley Bypass  An outline of priorities within the three main time blocks based Success’ to benefit the region and our city neighbours; and the SEMMMS major scheme proposals) and new priorities for on estimated start dates; However, there was disappointment that neither the Northwich or  Many of our businesses are at the leading edge of the regional the LTP2 period (Crewe Rail Gateway and Northwich Vision). Since Chester projects made the top quartile. The Council is committed  Evidence on what estimates of value for money and costing economy; this was published the Government have conducted a major to continue working on these projects with our partners ahead of have been utilised, and on any factors beyond those review of local transport priorities as part of their Regional Funding any future review of the current outcome of this process.  Access to Manchester and Liverpool airports through Cheshire considered in value for money assessments which have Allocation process. This explored in more detail below along with Furthermore, the projects identified as addressing access issues is vital to their continued expansion; influenced the priority given to specific proposals; and the implications for major scheme proposals for Cheshire. to the M6 corridor need to be developed, especially given the  Improved access means more opportunities from those in  Evidence of stakeholder engagement and levels of support for emerging M6 plans to increase capacity by either widening or deprived areas (especially in Liverpool and Manchester) to A number of proposals for major schemes in Cheshire were advice as presented. expressway options. The council will continue to make the case for access jobs in Cheshire; and suggested during the public consultation and stakeholder these improvements as part of the M6 study or through TIF participation exercises to inform the preparation of this document. Preliminary work has now been completed and a study report  The regeneration and continued development of key towns like initiatives. The majority would be able to satisfy the general transport prepared setting out conclusions and recommendations based on Chester, Crewe and Northwich, involving many billions of requirements covered by a major scheme submission. However, the broad consensus of regional stakeholders. This sets out a pounds of planned investment and thousands of new jobs, noting the implications of the RFA process there must be a degree prioritised ten-year investment programme for the RFA based on depends on the funding of our major schemes. of realism and understanding that there will not be sufficient a rigorous assessment framework. This reviewed all potential resources available to deliver them all during the next five years. schemes and grouped outcomes into quartiles with those in the top quartile representing the best performing schemes. Cheshire Table 5.1 RFA Top Quartile costs and phasing 2006/07 – 2015/16 (All figures in £ million) schemes are grouped as follows: Scheme 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16

Quartile One Alderley Edge & 1 12 13.5 13 5.2 The Regional Funding Allocation  A34 Alderley Edge and Nether Alderley Bypass; Nether Alderley Bypass and transport prioritisation  Crewe Green Link (Southern Section); Crewe Green Link 3 3 In July 2005, following a joint initiative established by H.M.  Crewe Rail Gateway; (Southern Section) Treasury, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, DfT and DTI, the  SEMMMS Relief Road Scheme; and GONW was invited to submit to the Ministers investment Crewe Rail Gateway 4 5 16.3 11.3 7.8  programmes and policy proposals for housing, economic A556 (M6 to M56) improvement (Highways Agency scheme). SEMMMS 11 11 development and transport based on the 10 year Regional Funding Allocations for the North West. This is being undertaken A556 (M6 to M56) 10 36 40 in order to enhance regional input into overall policy development. Improvement *

* Highways Agency Scheme 152 www.cheshire.gov.ukCheshire’s Local Transport Plan 2006 - 2011 www.cheshire.gov.ukCheshire’s Local Transport Plan 2006 - 2011 153 5.3.1 Schemes in RFA top quartile traffic levels; 5.3.1.2 South-East Manchester Multi Modal  Removal of congestion, particularly in Poynton; 5.3.1.1 A34 Alderley Edge & Nether Alderley  Impact on only a very small number of properties - Study (SEMMMS) Proposals  Improved public transport operation, reliability and services; environmental "mitigation" measures will be incorporated to Bypass An extensive relief road scheme and comprehensive package of  Enables regeneration and brownfield renewal; protect people and the local natural environment; complementary measures. Specific elements impacting on A 5 km bypass to the west of Alderley Edge to reduce congestion,   Cheshire are the provision of Poynton Bypass and Manchester Serves concentration of key regional businesses and growth improve access and enhance the environment for communities Help sustain local businesses and stimulate growth; Airport Eastern Link Road. The SEMMMS strategy was approved sectors; and business in southern Manchester and  Reduced traffic levels of 50% in one by Government in March 2002.  Improved access to Manchester City north east Cheshire. of Cheshire’s most congested towns; Centre from south; and The scheme is fundamental to The scheme is vital to improving access to  Much improved safety and reduced implementing city-region development  Substantial reduction in road Manchester Airport, the continued casualties by Reduced vehicle / pedestrian across the Greater Manchester and casualties. success of Astra Zeneca, and to the conflict; Cheshire boundaries and meeting key communities of Alderley Edge and Nether  Allows greater freedom of movement objectives contained in the Regional A joint Annex E submission and PFI Alderley. Its delivery is crucial to achieving for pedestrians, in particular vulnerable Economic Strategy, Regional Spatial Expression of Interest was submitted to key objectives set out in the Regional road users; Strategy and Regional Transport DfT by Cheshire County Council, Economic Strategy, Manchester City Strategy for improved access to Stockport Metropolitan Borough Region development, and ‘Invest in  A safer "environment" for people to Manchester Airport. Council and Manchester City Council in Success’ – the Cheshire and Warrington live and work in; July 2004. Details of complementary Economic Strategy.  Improved air quality in the village; and Benefits SEMMMS schemes in Cheshire for the  period 2006 to 2011 are set out in Benefits  Improved "social activity" due to a Fundamental improvement to access to Manchester Airport from the east Chapter Four.  Improved access to the Astra Zeneca more "people friendly environment”. and south; site at Alderley Park – a regional Status strategic site with over 5000 employees  Enhanced access to the south and and a multi-million pound investment All planning and compulsory purchase east of Manchester and to North programme for the further development order processes completed – awaiting Cheshire; regional ‘prioritisation’ for funding before of the site;  Secretary of State will confirm orders. Enhanced access to jobs and  Reduced noise levels along the A34; opportunities;  Improved "townscape" due to reduced

Links to Shared Priority and LTP Objectives Links to Shared Priority and LTP Objectives

Shared Priority Addressed Shared Priority Addressed

Tackling Congestion. ✓ Tackling Congestion. ✓

Delivering Accessibility. ✓ Delivering Accessibility. ✓

Safer Roads. ✓ Safer Roads. ✓

Better Air Quality. ✓ Better Air Quality. ✓

LTP Objectives LTP Objectives

Enhance the quality of life of those who live in, work or visit Cheshire. ✓ Enhance the quality of life of those who live in, work or visit Cheshire. ✓

Promote social inclusion and accessibility to everyday services for all, especially for those without a car. ✓ Promote social inclusion and accessibility to everyday services for all, especially for those without a car. ✓

Improve safety for all travellers. ✓ Improve safety for all travellers. ✓

Promote the integration of all forms of transport and land use planning, leading to a better, Promote the integration of all forms of transport and land use planning, leading to a better, more efficient transport system. ✓ more efficient transport system. ✓

Contribute to an efficient economy and to support sustainable economic growth and Contribute to an efficient economy and to support sustainable economic growth and regeneration in appropriate locations. ✓ regeneration in appropriate locations. ✓

Protect and enhance the built, natural and historic environment. ✓ Protect and enhance the built, natural and historic environment. ✓

Manage a well maintained and efficient transport network. ✓ Manage a well maintained and efficient transport network. ✓ 154 www.cheshire.gov.ukCheshire’s Local Transport Plan 2006 - 2011 www.cheshire.gov.ukCheshire’s Local Transport Plan 2006 - 2011 155  5.3.1.3 Crewe Rail Gateway Increased safety and access for pedestrians and the disabled; 5.1.3.4 Crewe Green Link Road (Southern  Reduced community severance; The improvement and redevelopment of Crewe Railway Station as  Facilities for improved rail access to Manchester Airport and, Section)  Increased accessibility by bus, cycle and on foot to a transport interchange with improved vehicle and passenger potentially, Liverpool Airport; The completion of the link road between the A534 and the A500. employment, retailing and education services; and access to the site. This will provide a 21st century gateway to  Ancillary land property and job development; and The scheme is part of the ‘Transformation of Crewe’ regeneration Crewe, Cheshire and the North West.  Complements the Crewe Rail Gateway proposals. programme. It also works towards objectives set out in the  Provide improved rail access for new Basford regional strategic Regional Economic Strategy (especially the strategic site at RFA Funding - Estimated total cost £16 million at current prices The scheme is a key component of the ‘Transformation of Crewe’ site (10,000 + jobs); regeneration programme, the achievement of the Regional Basford and improved infrastructure), the proposals for Crewe set with RFA funding of £6.0 million and the remainder to be met by Economic Strategy (especially the strategic site at Basford and out in Regional Spatial Strategy and developers and NWDA. improved infrastructure), the proposals for Crewe set out in County Structure Plan and the Crewe Regional Spatial Strategy and County Structure Plan and the Gateway priority in ‘Investing in Success’ Crewe Gateway priority in ‘Investing in Success’ – the sub-regional – the sub-regional economic strategy. economic strategy. It also supports objectives to improve access Benefits to Manchester Airport.  Supports major development at Benefits Basford Regional Strategic Site;  Much improved interchange and ‘rail experience’ for 3m rail  Supports wider regeneration projects users per annum; in Crewe;  Additional parking, improved facilities and access to attract  Improves access to the south east of large numbers of additional rail users; Crewe including major employment  An attractive rail gateway for the whole of the North West – sites (Crewe Business Park, Crewe complementing massively improved trains and services; Gates and MMU Crewe campus);  An improved gateway to Crewe: New university campus (8000  Reduced congestion and students); Crewe Town Centre (400,000sq ft, £100m complements enhancements along improvements planned); Bentley customers; A534 Nantwich Road corridor;  Relief of congestion alongside Station and on major arterial  Improved air quality and reduced traffic roads in Crewe; noise;

Links to Shared Priority and LTP Objectives Links to Shared Priority and LTP Objectives

Shared Priority Addressed Shared Priority Addressed

Tackling Congestion. ✓ Tackling Congestion. ✓

Delivering Accessibility. ✓ Delivering Accessibility. ✓

Safer Roads. ✓ Safer Roads. ✓

Better Air Quality. ✓ Better Air Quality. ✓

LTP Objectives LTP Objectives

Enhance the quality of life of those who live in, work or visit Cheshire. ✓ Enhance the quality of life of those who live in, work or visit Cheshire. ✓

Improve safety for all travellers. ✓ Improve safety for all travellers. ✓

Protect and enhance the built, natural and historic environment. ✓ Protect and enhance the built, natural and historic environment.

Manage a well maintained and efficient transport network. ✓ Manage a well maintained and efficient transport network. ✓ 156 www.cheshire.gov.ukCheshire’s Local Transport Plan 2006 - 2011 www.cheshire.gov.ukCheshire’s Local Transport Plan 2006 - 2011 157 5.4 Additional Cheshire priorities Partnerships, British Waterways, Environment Agency and 5.4.2 Chester Transport Strategy (RFA second  30% reduction in through traffic and improved air quality in Learning and Skills Council. quartile) Chester’s historic core; 5.4.1 Northwich Vision (RFA second quartile) Benefits A package of schemes centred around the construction of  Improved road safety and casualty reduction overall; To provide comprehensive transport infrastructure improvements,  Facilitates a £200 million + regeneration scheme - private Chester Western Relief Road and complementary measures to  Comprehensive package of complementary measures to including a new urban link road and additional bridge to cross the sector partner secured; reduce congestion, support economic and city centre provide bus priority on the radial and inner ring road routes by River Weaver to facilitate the regeneration of Northwich. The regeneration and improve accessibility to jobs and key services in  Capitalise some £32m Government funding for salt mine taking advantage of road space capacity freed up; Northwich Vision is a programme of comprehensive regeneration Chester. for Northwich town centre, facilitated by the ongoing English stabilisation and land reclamation programme;  Improved public transport interchange facilities within the city Chester is a key regional town and is central to the future Partnerships funded land stabilisation programme. A masterplan  Secure the future of the town and its continued growth and centre and at the Railway Station; and development of West Cheshire and North East Wales sub-region has been produced which envisages new retail, residential, office, development;  Supports the continued expansion of the city's Park and Ride identified in the Regional Spatial Strategy. Chester Business Park visitor and leisure development in the heart of the town centre. network. This includes proposals for more flexible Park and  Enable town centre environmental, safety and access is a regional strategic site. The City is one of the Region’s four Ride services. The scheme is within the Weaver Valley Regional Park proposals improvements; visitor and tourist ‘attack brands’ and the protection and (within the Regional  Secure jobs and enhancement of its city centre is vital to this. The scheme is part Estimated Cost - £46 million with potential for developer and Economic and Spatial improved visitor and cultural of the agreed Chester Transport Strategy and is within the County other contributions. Strategies); Northwich is attractions; Structure Plan. Cheshire’s 4th largest town, one of its fastest growing  Part of and linked Benefits and a Regional Spatial to substantial brownfield site  Supports major regeneration of Chester City centre – new Strategy key regional town development and a new retail, cultural and visitor attractions; with a catchment of over urban village; and  Supports additional regeneration opportunities and job 200,000 people.  Will enable over creation in Chester and North East Wales; 1000 new homes and 2000 Implementation of the Vision  Improved access to employment opportunities at Chester new jobs to be provided. is being driven by a Business Park (10,000+jobs) and any further expansion; partnership comprising of Estimated Cost - £35  Improved access from Chester and Cheshire’s most Vale Royal Borough Council, million (with potential for both deprived wards to jobs; Cheshire County Council, developer and North West North West Development Development Agency  Improved access to local hospital and new university (9000 Agency, English contributions). students and growing);

Links to Shared Priority and LTP Objectives Links to Shared Priority and LTP Objectives

Shared Priority Addressed Shared Priority Addressed

Tackling Congestion. ✓ Tackling Congestion. ✓

Delivering Accessibility. ✓ Delivering Accessibility. ✓

Safer Roads. ✓ Safer Roads. ✓

Better Air Quality. ✓ Better Air Quality. ✓

LTP Objectives LTP Objectives

Enhance the quality of life of those who live in, work or visit Cheshire. ✓ Enhance the quality of life of those who live in, work or visit Cheshire. ✓

Improve safety for all travellers. ✓ Improve safety for all travellers. ✓

Protect and enhance the built, natural and historic environment. ✓ Protect and enhance the built, natural and historic environment. ✓

Manage a well maintained and efficient transport network ✓ Manage a well maintained and efficient transport network. ✓ 158 www.cheshire.gov.ukCheshire’s Local Transport Plan 2006 - 2011 www.cheshire.gov.ukCheshire’s Local Transport Plan 2006 - 2011 159 Estimated Cost - £11 million at current prices with the majority of 5.4.3 Middlewich Eastern Bypass (RFA second 5.5 Use of the Transport Joint are recognised as contributing towards its wider long term the cost to be met by developers. quartile) Schemes Fund strategic and corporate objectives as well as those of regional and Completion of a bypass to relieve congestion, provide national importance. These include rail schemes. These are set out access to employment sites and improve the town centre The Transport Joint Schemes Fund was created in 1989 to enable in policies T3, T7a and T8 in the County Structure Plan. All are environment. The northern section of this route has already the County Council to work in partnership with the private sector highlighted in Figure 5.1. been constructed through developer contributions. to deliver mutually beneficial schemes through partnership. A large number of schemes have been delivered through this The sequence and timing of implementation of all schemes - both The scheme supports the Regional Spatial Strategy arrangement over the last fifteen years. major and minor – will depend on the completion of statutory development framework policy, the Regional Economic procedures, the availability of finance, and the extent to which they Strategy market town and regeneration policies and It is proposed to continue with this arrangement in the second LTP meet the DfT’s Major scheme criteria. complements the Weaver Valley Regional Park proposals. period. Providing a suitable agreement can be made with potential The need for other improvements to the County’s transport The scheme will access a key land allocation identified in the developers it is planned that the Crewe Green Link (Southern network - to upgrade the rail system or bypass rural settlements Sub-Regional Economic Strategy. Section) and the Middlewich Eastern Bypass will be progressed through the Joint Schemes process during the next five years. for example - will be kept under review. Any firm proposals for Benefits major schemes will be incorporated in future Local Development Documents, Annual Progress Reports and future Local Transport  Improved access to existing and new employment sites; Plans.  Reduced congestion in town centre; 5.6 The Strategic Network  Improved road safety and reduces vehicle / pedestrian Notwithstanding its major scheme proposals, the County Council conflict in Middlewich town centre; has identified a number of schemes of particular importance that  Improved air quality in town centre;  Supports regeneration and enhancement of key market Figure 5.1 The Major Schemes and the Local Strategic Network town;  Scheme will support broadening of local employment base; and  Complements long-term aspirations to improve access from Winsford and Middlewich to the M6.

Links to Shared Priority and LTP Objectives

Shared Priority Addressed

Tackling Congestion. ✓

Delivering Accessibility.

Safer Roads. ✓

Better Air Quality. ✓

LTP Objectives

Enhance the quality of life of those who live in, work or visit Cheshire. ✓

Promote social inclusion and accessibility to everyday services for all, especially for those without a car. ✓

Improve safety for all travellers. ✓

Promote the integration of all forms of transport and land use planning, leading to a better, more efficient transport system. ✓

Contribute to an efficient economy and to support sustainable economic growth and regeneration in appropriate locations. ✓

Protect and enhance the built, natural and historic environment. ✓

Manage a well maintained and efficient transport network. ✓ 160 www.cheshire.gov.ukCheshire’s Local Transport Plan 2006 - 2011 www.cheshire.gov.ukCheshire’s Local Transport Plan 2006 - 2011 161 5.7 Improvements to the Trunk Road 5.8 The Highways Agency M6 corridor relevant to this study and will be brought to the attention of the To ensure this occurs, the Council will continue to be actively Highways Agency for inclusion in the assessment process. These engaged in the on-going study being undertaken by the Highways network proposals initiatives include: Agency, as well involving District, town and parish councils. 5.7.1 Highways Agency schemes In early 2006 the Highways Agency hosted a number of seminars  A54 highway improvements from Winsford, bypassing to outline work on a detailed study commissioned to review the Middlewich to M6 J18 addressing the issues of congestion, The Highways Agency is responsible for both ‘national’ routes options for increasing capacity along the M6 corridor between community severance and the use by Heavy Commercial (including the M6, M56 and M53) and ‘regional strategic’ routes. 5.9 Links to the M6 Junctions 11A and 19. Two options are being reviewed: Vehicles of roads in built up areas; In part, depending on decisions on the M6, and particularly its The County Council maintains close liaison with the Highways  Widening the existing motorway; and  A34 via the A534 highway improvements to M6 J17 bypassing junctions in Cheshire, the County Council has medium term plans Agency to ensure that Cheshire’s best interests are secured as a Congleton addressing the issues of congestion and traffic  Constructing a new dual two lane carriageway broadly adjacent (2011-2016) to improve access from Winsford, Middlewich, result of the development and / or enhancement of the strategic related air quality; road network. to the existing route with limited junction access. Crewe, Congleton and East Cheshire to the M6. These schemes:  A500 Barthomley Link highway improvements from Crewe to At this stage, the Highways Agency is expected to provide  Link / improve access from key employment areas - the Critical to transport investment are decisions on the M6; incidents M6 J16 addressing congestion, accidents, the use by M6 feedback to the DfT in Spring 2006 to allow the Minister to further Basford strategic site and wider Crewe developments, on the M6 have the single most dramatic impact on Cheshire’s bound traffic of the adjoining rural road networks and improving review the options. Once a decision has been made, the Highways Middlewich and the further development of mid-point 18, highway network and affect a string of Cheshire towns from Crewe access from the Basfords Regional Employment Site; and to Knutsford. Future ‘prioritisation’ of schemes rests on decisions Agency would develop a more detailed set of proposals for further Winsford and the Winsford Industrial estate and from Holmes  Continued funding support for the full package of about investment in the M6. consideration. Subject to there being no undue delay in Chapel; improvements arising from the MIDMAN study. This includes progressing the statutory procedures, the earliest that either option  Relieve local communities of through traffic; A556 – M6 to M56 would be fully open to traffic would be around 2016/17. the Crewe Rail Gateway project and other rail and bus based  A RFA Top Quartile scheme with RFA funding of £107 million public transport initiatives that improve access to the major Reduce road casualties; and The outcome of the study gives rise to many issues for Cheshire allocated for works between 2013/14 and2016/17. destinations that exist along the M6 corridor and beyond.  communities. These include: Improve the local environment and air quality.  Fundamental to access to Manchester and Manchester Airport; Other Issues Assessing the traffic impacts - As well as addressing the M6  Consideration should be given to the management of incidents  Critical to relieving communities along its route of traffic corridor itself, the assessment of the proposals needs to cover the on the motorway, in particular the expressway option. Currently, congestion, noise and pollution; traffic impacts on the wider motorway and trunk road network and whenever an incident occurs on the existing M6 in Cheshire it 5.10 Support for neighbouring the adjoining county road networks, in particular for the road user  Fundamental to freight traffic; and has a serious detrimental impact the County road network, authorities schemes charging analysis, and on air quality and noise.  affecting residents and businesses. This needs to be addressed A key route for commuting to and from Manchester to Cheshire As part of the County Council’s consultation activities a number of A county wide Transport Model is being developed in conjunction in the study for all options; and access to job opportunities across their boundaries. meetings were set up with neighbouring authorities and regional with Peter Davidson Consultancy. This is nearing completion. The  The study needs to recognise the impacts on wider strategic partners to consider and seek mutual endorsement for various A55 / A483 Junction Improvement Council will discuss with the Highways Agency and their highway signing that could be required for the County road cross-boundary LTP proposals. These include:  Part of a wider Route Management Strategy between consultants the potential of completing and using this model as network; Birkenhead and the Welsh Border; part of the assessment process.  The County Council is a significant land owner along the route 5.10.1 The Mersey Gateway  Will reduce congestion and improve journey time reliability; and Assessing the environmental impacts - The potential of the M6 corridor through its County Farms. Negotiations will The Council supports the work being led by Halton Borough  Will enhance access to Chester Business Park. environmental impacts of the proposals on those Cheshire be needed to take place with our property services officers as communities most directly affected in terms of land take, visual the proposals are progressed; and Council to deliver the Mersey Gateway. A5117 M56-A55 Deeside Park Junctions Improvement impacts, and noise and air quality needs to be carefully appraised.  In addition, the study should consider how the proposals would The existing Silver Jubilee Bridge can carry in excess of 93,000  This also includes the potential for traffic re-assigning to other A key link between West Cheshire, the North West and North be integrated with the emerging plans of the Highways Agency vehicles in a single weekday. With a single carriageway county roads as a result of the proposals, especially where the Wales; for the A556 between M6 J19 and the M56 and also its impacts accommodating four substandard lanes the bridge is significantly roads serve rural communities.  Critical to improved access to jobs and movements between on the M6 between J19 and J20. over capacity and serious delays are commonplace with Merseyside and North Wales (including Airbus and the Deeside Promoting measures to mitigate against the traffic impacts congestion spreading over the peak hours. The proposals to increase capacity along the M6 corridor in Industrial Park); and and improve access to the M6 corridor - Through the Cheshire could result in the biggest single transport investment in The Silver Jubilee Bridge is of strategic importance to Cheshire Structure Plan, LTP and the recent GONW RFA prioritisation  Major reduction in casualties. the County since the original M6 was constructed. Ensuring its and the region as a whole. This is demonstrated by the fact that process for major transport projects, the County Council has impacts are thoroughly assessed is vital to protect the interests of 27% of traffic using the bridge has one trip end in Cheshire. It drawn attention to the need to address traffic issues relating to the Cheshire’s communities, all of which will be affected by the provides a vital link between Cheshire and North Wales to the existing M6 corridor through a number of initiatives. These are very proposals in some way but particularly for those who live in close Merseyside area. proximity to the existing motorway.

162 www.cheshire.gov.ukCheshire’s Local Transport Plan 2006 - 2011 www.cheshire.gov.ukCheshire’s Local Transport Plan 2006 - 2011 163 Asset Management

The impact of short term, temporary closures caused by traffic 5.10.3 Wrexham – Bidston Railway Line This Chapter considers the County Council’s approach to asset 6.1 Highway and bridge maintenance accidents can often extend far beyond the local areas of Runcorn management. It describes our strategy for taking forward highway The County Council endorses Merseytravel’s proposals to develop and Widnes. Such closures can cause gridlock in Warrington and maintenance bridges and street lighting and includes a position 6.1.1 and extend the Merseyrail network including extending the third rail Introduction congestion on routes to the Mersey Tunnels and the M6 Thelwall statement on work to develop our Transport Asset Management electrification of the Wrexham to Bidston line. This will have clear The County Council is responsible for 706 km (437 miles) of Viaduct. Plan. It also reviews the development of the County Council’s advantages to support our work to tackle congestion and deliver Principal Road; 1329 km (826 miles) of classified and 2736 km Rights of Way Improvement Programme (ROWIP). The Mersey Crossing Group, of which Cheshire County Council is accessibility. (1700 miles) of unclassified road. As the most prominent public a member, has carried out extensive development work for the Meeting our Objectives to facility accessible to visitors, the highway network’s condition delivery of the New Mersey Crossing, "The Mersey Gateway". The sends a powerful signal about how the local community values its 5.10.4 The Manchester Rail Hub and Metrolink  Improve Safety for all travellers; feasibility of several route options has been investigated and in major physical asset. The network has grown over the last 15  April 2003 the Group selected a route known as 3A as its preferred Cheshire strongly endorses the importance of Metrolink and the Contribute to an efficient economy and to support sustainable years by 10% and usage continues to increase. New regulations, option. This route acts to optimise traffic relief of the Silver Jubilee Manchester Rail Hub to the wider Greater Manchester Strategy's economic growth and regeneration in appropriate location; legislation and liabilities continue to make increasing demands on Bridge with minimum environmental impact. In July 2003 the theme of improving connectivity. These are vital to the reduction of  Protect and enhance the built, natural and historic environment; resources. Mersey Crossing Group submitted a major scheme appraisal bid congestion and to the provision of a high quality public transport and Of the 800 highway bridges for which the County is responsible to the Government for a New Mersey Crossing. In December 2003 network in the southern part of the conurbation adjacent to  Manage a well maintained and efficient transport network. 320 are associated with Principal Roads and over 130 have been the Government gave the bid the status of "Super Work in Cheshire where there are opportunities accessible to Cheshire's widened. The majority of bridges cross watercourses. However, Progress", as further work was required. residents. They are also important to the achievement of the wider City Region sub-regional strategy. The revised Major Scheme Appraisal was submitted to the Government in November 2004 and a response from the It, therefore, supports the Greater Manchester Integrated Links to the wider Policy context Government is expected shortly. Transport Strategy's intention to complete Metrolink Phase 3 , the Policy Objective enhancements to Phases 1 and 2, and the extension to Stockport. Similarly, improvements to the Rail Hub, including additional The Future of Transport White Paper 2004 To provide a more reliable and freer flowing road network. 5.10.2 Halton Curve platform capacity at Manchester Airport, will have benefits to services from Cheshire. The importance of cross-boundary access Improving safety and security. The County Council supports Halton Borough Council’s and to the Airport is noted elsewhere in the document. Merseytravel’s proposals to reinstate the Halton Curve for Respecting the environment. passenger services. Regional Spatial Strategy To ensure that the region’s transport networks and gateways 5.10.5 The Halton Curve connects the Chester-Warrington Line with the Greater Manchester Integrated Transport provide the connectivity necessary to support the region’s Liverpool Branch of the West Coast Main Line. It is used by a Corridors sustainable spatial development. weekly service in the summer months and only has signals and These have a significant potential for improving cross-boundary points installed for movements in the northbound direction. An Regional Transport Strategy Management, maintenance and improvement of the regional travel opportunities. A number of the corridors extend outwards upgrade of signals and points would be needed to allow two way highway network and concept extended to sub-regional and local to the Cheshire boundary, and both authorities are interested in working. highway networks. considering how innovative transport solutions can be developed The full opening of this line to two way working would allow the feeding into these corridors. Corporate Plan Achieving sustainable communities. provision of a new train service linking North Wales-Chester- Frodsham-Runcorn-Allerton-Liverpool Lime Street. It might also Community Strategy Sustainable Environment – Working to improve the condition of the road network and improve Rights of Way. promote some interchange at Runcorn between West Coast Main Line trains and a local service to Frodsham-Helsby-Ellesmere Port. The new service would also be of wider benefit to North Wales, Cheshire and Merseyside and in particular would be an important new rail link to Liverpool John Lennon Airport that would be accessed by Allerton Station.

The full reopening of the Halton Curve would also be of benefit to rail freight operations.

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