One of Greater Manchester's most notorious nightmare spots for traffic is set to be even slower over the next five months. These images show this morning's rush hour along the A57 Mottram Moor ahead of major works that residents believe will cause 'absolute chaos'.
A huge roadworks project is getting underway from today (April 4) which will see lane closures and temporary traffic lights used along one of Tameside's busiest roads. Cadent gas engineers are set to install a new section of gas pipeline on the road, which is part of the main route between Manchester and Sheffield.
The busy road is already prone to long delays - with tailbacks snaking through Mottram as cars, vans and lorries make their way from the M67 towards Woodhead Pass or Snake Pass. Residents in the village and next-door Hollingworth say traffic was already bad enough, causing houses to 'shake', without roadworks causing more gridlock.
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After a decades-long campaign, work is now finally shaping up for a bypass around Mottram, although next-door Hollingworth will still see heavy traffic as vehicles head towards the Peak District and the M1. But with Cadent's work expected to last around 20 weeks, the bypass will feel like a distant dream for residents and road users in the months ahead.
Stephen Lester, who lives close to where the roadworks are taking place, told the Manchester Evening News when the works were first announced : "It's going to cause absolute chaos. We've lived here 23 years and look at it, it's the worst it's ever been."
High Peak MP Robert Largan expressed his frustration when the work was first announced, admitting 'the road is heavily gridlocked at the best of times'. Drivers are being asked to consider alternative routes, while bus users are being warned to expect disruption to services.
A Transport for Greater Manchester spokesperson said: "On Monday (April 4), major work will start on A57 Mottram Moor to install a new section of gas pipeline. The new main will improve the feed to around 2,500 homes in the Glossop and Hadfield areas, with growth having put a strain on existing gas infrastructure.
"This is major project, in a busy area, and will take around 20 weeks to complete. The work area runs from Woolley Lane, onto Mottram Moor, to Back Moor and then into Stalybridge Road, Mottram.
"All roads will remain open, both ways, but there will be lane closures and temporary traffic lights. This is to ensure a safe work area and a safe route for vehicles to pass by. Motorists are advised to expect delays and consider alternative routes."
Around 1,400 metres of new gas pipe are being installed by Cadent. In addition to supporting new homes in Glossop, the pipeline is also needed meet the requirements from a power generation site, which uses gas to create electricity for the local area.
Cadent says it tried to find an alternative to the roadworks by laying the pipe through fields, but it was unable to reach agreements with private landowners. The new pipeline will eventually also be used to distribute hydrogen.
Stagecoach, which runs the 237 bus service through Mottram, says customers can expect delays along the route while the work takes place. A spokesperson for the firm wrote on Twitter: "Please allow extra time for your journeys with us over the coming weeks. Please accept our apologies for any inconvenience caused."
