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'Bypass is only option'

Brian Lashley
5/ 7/2007

THERE is no alternative to the Mottram-Tintwistle bypass, the Highways Agency told a public inquiry.

Stephen Greenhalgh, Highways Agency project leader, said it was the only practical solution to enormous traffic problems.

He said the heavy flow of traffic through the three villages was slow moving, often stationary, delayed and causing noise and air pollution.

Mr Greenhalgh said: "The proposed scheme would remove a significant proportion of traffic including HGVs from the trunk road within the villages and journey times for travellers would be improved."

The proposed 3.5-mile bypass would take motorists away from the congested roads of Mottram, Hollingworth and Tintwistle and link Tameside with the A628 Woodhead Pass to Yorkshire.

The route carries more than 40,000 vehicles a day, including more than 4,500 HGVs.

It's predicted if the bypass opens, 71 per cent of traffic will be removed from Mottram, 63 per cent from Tintwistle and 22 per cent from Hollingworth.

The inquiry resumed this week only to be hit by delays for the second time in a week.

The hearing, at Stalybridge Civic Hall, was disrupted by technical problems with audio equipment.

Inspector John Watson, who was chairing the inquiry, briefly held his head in his hands at the problems.

Feedback from the microphones - some which were not working - made the proceedings inaudible at times.

Mr Watson adjourned the hearing twice as a result of the problems.

He eventually ordered the microphones to be switched off and told members of the public and opponents of the scheme to move the chairs to the front of the hall so they could hear what was being said.

The Highways Agency, which chose the venue, said an engineer had been called to fix the problem.

Mr Watson asked Charles Calvert from the Highways Agency if he was happy with the facilities. In reply Mr Calvert said: "I can only apologise."

Last week the inquiry was adjourned on the opening day, which was also beset with audio problems, following the late submission of "substantial evidence" by the Highways Agency.

Residents in Mottram, Tintwistle and Hollingworth have begged for a bypass since the 1970s. The hearing is expected to last several weeks.


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Most recent 1 of 1 user comments

   I support the bypass 100%, I have seen a lot of the statistics from those against the bypass but I would be very interested to see how many of the oponants actually live in the affected areas? I can't imagine very many people who experience the early morning traffic outside their house would oppose the bypass, especially as the traffic starts as early as 5am and doesn't ease off until about 9pm!
Imelda Robb, Hollingworth
12/07/2007 at 13:57
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