Major new link road to open in Rochdale next month

A major new road connecting junction 19 of the M62 motorway with Pilsworth Road in Heywood is due to open next month.

The council has applied to name the new route Queen Elizabeth II Way in honour of the late head of state. It was built with over £20m private and public sector funding and is set to benefit local residents and businesses by delivering cuts to journey times and business costs.

Councillor Neil Emmott, leader of Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Realising this project is the culmination of many years work, not only by the council and ward councillors but equally by our valued partners with whom we have all worked tirelessly together.

“It delivers good value in how it will reduce costs for the residents of Heywood and businesses through being able to travel fewer miles, and provides an excellent service in the way that it will transform Heywood’s road network.”

For Heywood town centre this should equate to the removal of between 8,760 and up to 35,770 heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) every year, as calculated as part of a study by development partner Russells. According to the assessment, by creating safer journeys the new road could also lead to a reduction in accidents that cost the economy up to £5 million over 60 years.

Councillor Daniel Meredith, cabinet member for highways and housing for Rochdale Borough Council, said: “The opening of the new link road gives an opportunity to alleviate congestion and reduce journeys by creating a more efficient route. It should lead to vehicles no longer relying on the town centre to navigate their journeys, creating a better environment for residents as the local roads become much less busy.”
The completed project is set to benefit the local economy as the increased connectivity the road brings makes the area more attractive to investment and supports employment.

Councillor John Blundell, cabinet member for economy and regeneration for Rochdale Borough Council, adds: “We can now realise the development of new business space and create new jobs while at the same time giving existing businesses the opportunity to reinvest instead of wasting money on high transport costs. This will foster business competitiveness and growth and unlock new economic opportunities.”

The road forms a key element of the Atom Valley mayoral development zone which will stimulate innovation and investment.

Councillor Andrew Western, Greater Manchester’s lead for regeneration, said: “Connectivity is absolutely central to our plans for inclusive and sustainable growth. The new road will be an important part of the infrastructure supporting Atom Valley, driving forward innovation and advanced manufacturing in Greater Manchester.”

The new route means commercial and other vehicles will no longer have to divert to the M66 motorway via smaller local roads, reducing journey lengths by tens of thousands of miles every year. Over a 60-year period this equates to £156million combined savings from reduced journeys and £25million less operating costs.