Drivers warned of big delays during weekend works

Motorists travelling from Manchester to Sheffield on the A57 can expect significant delays in the coming weeks as work continues on the bypass at Mottram Moor.

Work designed to tackle congestion on the main route between the two cities began in May 2025 in the small village on the eastern edge of Greater Manchester.

Now National Highways has warned motorists to expect "significant delays" over two weekends next month.

Roadworks take place from 19:00 GMT on Friday 13 March until 06:00 on Monday 16 March, and between the same times during the following weekend.

While the route through Mottram Moor will remain open, only one lane will be used, with temporary lights controlling traffic.

According to National Highways, the work involves installing utility services and building a new plant crossing. This will allow construction materials to be moved safely and efficiently across the A57 as part of the major scheme.

It explained: "Drivers will pass through the temporary lights in a single file system in both directions for safety.

"We had originally planned to complete this phase of work under full weekend closures.

"Following a routine review of our construction programme, we identified a different approach that allows us to keep the road open.

"This will impact journeys, so we're advising road users to check before you travel and allow additional time."

The £228m A57 Link Roads project includes the creation of two new routes.

One is Mottram Moor Link Road – a new dual carriageway from M67's junction 4 roundabout to a new junction on the A57 at Mottram Moor.

The other is the A57 Link Road – a new single carriageway link from the A57 at Mottram Moor to a new junction on the A57 in Woolley Bridge.

The bypass going past Mottram has always been a talking point in the area, ever since the M67 was first planned in the 1960s.

Currently the short motorway runs from the eastern side of the M60 at Denton all the way to a roundabout next to the Hattersley Tesco, where congestion is notoriously heavy at peak times.

The A57 link roads scheme is estimated to be up and running by 2028, although a full completion date could be as late as 2031, according to National Highways.

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