A556 road safety improvement works move forward

Date: 19/3/2010

Plans to relieve congestion and improve safety for motorists travelling on the A556 have moved forward today, following the publication of details about the scheme by the Highways Agency.

Work is expected to begin in 2013 on the road improvements between the M6 and the M56 in Cheshire.

The A556 is the only section of the road network linking North Cheshire and southern Greater Manchester with the West Midlands and the south that is non-motorway.

Approximately 50,000 vehicles use the route every day, the Highways Agency notes.

It is hoped the road improvements will increase road safety on the route.
A total of 200 accidents occurred on this route between 1998 and 2005, the Highways Agency has confirmed.

Highways Agency project manager Mohammed Swapan commented: "Today’s announcement is a step forward to delivering these vital improvements, which will help reduce congestion, make journey times more reliable and increase road safety for the thousands of drivers who use the A556 every day."

Meanwhile, Highways Agency traffic officers are offering help to visitors at the Caravan and Motorhome Show in Exeter this weekend, raising awareness of the safety risks involved when towing a caravan or trailer.