Update on long-awaited bypass connecting key routes around Manchester

Drivers have been given an update on long-awaited plans for a bypass linking key routes around Manchester to be built. The council said it is still committed to the plans, which will link parts of the A57 and A56.

But the £56 million needed to fund the proposed Western Link, connecting the A56 Chester Road with the A57 Sankey Way in Great Sankey, is still yet to be found. The overall cost of the project was estimated to be in the region of £212.7 million.

The Government has previously confirmed, in principle, it will put £142.5 million towards the controversial scheme, with the council planning to contribute £70.2 million. But the cost estimate to deliver the scheme has increased to £269 million – a rise of £56.3 million.

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In an update, the council said that while it remains committed to the Western Link, “inflationary pressures continue to be severe and are still having a major impact on increasing prices for major highway infrastructure schemes nationally."

The council spokesman added: "Our current estimate to deliver the scheme is £269m, as of late 2022. Discussions are ongoing with the Department for Transport and we will continue to explore all funding options.”

The spokesman also said the council does not have any concerns that this will affect its Local Plan. "The planning inspectors gave detailed consideration to the delivery of the Western Link at the Local Plan examination, and they subsequently recommended modifications to the Local Plan to reflect the delay to the scheme and the current funding situation,” he said.

But Conservative Warrington South MP Andy Carter says the council should set out how they