A1P (1) MAJOR HIGHWAY SCHEMES - A5225 ... - Wigan Council

10.72 The scheme for which land had been safeguarded was of a strategic nature. The
road that had been envisaged up to that time was a high speed highway of dual
carriageway standard throughout, with grade-separated junctions. It would have provided
a major new east-west route linking north Merseyside with Greater Manchester, relieving
the M62 and A58 roads. Objectors argue that, because this earlier scheme is no longer
supported by Government, the current proposal has no chance of proceeding.
10.73 The scheme for which land is proposed to be safeguarded in RDD policy A1P(1)
is, however, intended to serve a local role and provide a series of by-passes for individual
settlements within Wigan Borough. It would be of dual-carriageway standard from the
M6 to Westwood Park, with a dual-carriageway link to Wigan town centre. Eastwards
from Westwood Park it would be of single carriageway standard. It would function as a
by-pass for the local centres of Pemberton, Wigan, Ince and Hindley. The section of the
road east of Westwood Park would have at-grade roundabout junctions controlled by
traffic lights. The whole length of the road would be subject to a 50mph speed limit. The
road would not effect a direct link between the M6 and the M61 motorways. The decision
process in relation to the earlier scheme can, therefore, have little bearing on that for the
route which is now proposed to be safeguarded.
10.74 The original scheme, now no longer to be pursued, is included in the current
Greater Manchester Local Transport Plan 2001/02 to 2005/06. The scheme for which the
RDD now proposes to safeguard the route is referred to in the Third Annual Progress
Report of the Greater Manchester Local Transport Plan (July 2003) as a future major
scheme for the period after 2006. In paragraph 2.116 this document confirms that the next
LTP will bring forward further major scheme proposals which will be looking towards
delivery during the next LTP period. One of these is the A5225 scheme to link the M6 to
the A579 at Atherleigh Way near Leigh and Atherton.
10.75 The scheme is described as being intended to encourage the regeneration of areas
of deprivation and improve public transport links into Wigan town centre and the
proposed Wigan Transport Hub. It is intended that the construction of the new road
would allow improvements to be made to road safety, bus priority and the environment
for cyclists and pedestrians along existing congested roads such as the A577 through
Wigan and Hindley. This scheme, and any others, will be the subject of the Greater
Manchester Major Scheme Assessment Process before being included in any subsequent
submission to Government for funding.
10.76 An Annex E submission was made through the Fourth Annual Progress Report of
the LTP so that the Government could carry out a detailed appraisal of the scheme. The
LPA confirmed its intention to submit a planning application for the scheme after the
completion of the inquiry into the RDD.
10.77 RPG13 (policy T1) provides that transport issues in the region should be
examined on a multi-modal basis to develop, where appropriate, sustainable and
integrated solutions for all users in accordance with the priorities of the Spatial
Development Framework. For Wigan this (policy SD1) requires that priority is given to
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