A £350,000 Government investment will fund assessment of a potential new bypass for the north of England, ministers have confirmed today.
Chief secretary to the Treasury, Danny Alexander, said the cash allocation for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority would help investigate the case for developments in Stockport.
If the project is found to make good economic and environmental sense, councils will be able to use the case study to bid for future rounds of the Local Growth Fund.
The cash represents the latest stage of implementation for the South East Manchester Multi Modal Strategy, a 20-year plan to deal with local transport problems in parts of Cheshire East, Derbyshire, Stockport and Tameside.
Funding for northern transport infrastructure has been a long-standing commitment from chancellor George Osborne as part of efforts to fund a ‘powerhouse’ that will break down the north south divide.
Mr Alexander said: ‘Ensuring that we have the infrastructure needed for the UK to fulfil its long-term growth potential is a top priority for the government.
‘I am therefore delighted to confirm the funding for this study, which will mean that the Greater Manchester Combined Authority can now look at delivering on the next stage of their long-term ambition.’
Roads minister, Robert Goodwill, added: ‘Good roads help people go about their daily business. This study will look at cost-effective ways to cut congestion in Stockport and make it easier for residents and visitors to get from A to B.’
