Trafford Council has confirmed that 23 roads across the borough will be fully resurfaced over the coming 12 months, following a £5m cash injection from the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). The routes were selected based on priority, with the most 'in need' sections of highway now lined up for repair.
The work comes in addition to the programme of repairs already agreed for the borough this year. Of the £5m, almost £4m will be split between the 23 key routes, while around £525,000 will be kept back for local patching repairs over the coming months.
Funding breakdown and timeline
The final £500,000 will go on further highways treatments designed to keep the borough's roads 'serviceable for longer', Trafford council said. That phase is expected to be carried out in the spring. Improvements to the A56 Chester Road at Junction 7 of the M60 have already been completed.
However, the council has warned that the programme may need to be altered due to site conditions, changing costs or emergency works. In 'rare cases', they may need to be deferred, the authority added.
Council leaders respond
Stephen Adshead, Trafford council's executive member for highways and environmental services, said: "We are pleased to have been awarded this money for additional road repairs and improvements and are spending it carefully. Our hardworking teams are now working to design, plan and deliver resurfacing in the 23 locations and this is good news for anyone who travels around Trafford.
"Following on from this we will see a comprehensive programme of further surface treatments and patching that will keep our highways in good condition for all users."
Tom Ross, leader of Trafford council, added: "We are delighted to be able to share full details of this work that ties in with our Council priorities, including to foster a thriving economy. Being able to get easily and sustainably from home to work, to education, healthcare, leisure and all manner of other destinations on our road networks is key to quality of life for all who live, work and visit Trafford."
GMCA Pothole Fund
GMCA approved a £60m Pothole Fund at a meeting last month, with the cash split between every borough in Greater Manchester. The cash was framed by the authority as a 'major boost to tackle the pothole problem' faced by residents. It is expected to cover repairs and maintenance of more than a million square metres or 125 kilometres of roads across the region.
The extra cash comes from the city region's transport budget, with leaders agreeing to reallocate funding towards highways maintenance. Repairing more roads and making sure pavements were safe were among Greater Manchester mayor Bev Craig's manifesto commitments during her campaign to replace Andy Burnham.
She said: "Properly maintaining our roads will save motorists money on costly repairs. And by preventing potholes forming in the first place, councils won't have to spend as much money on emergency road repairs.
"This issue came up repeatedly on the doorstep during my election campaign so I'm pleased that I can do something about it so quickly, building on the significant work already planned by councils across Greater Manchester. It's all part of my commitment to make getting around Greater Manchester easier, safer and more reliable, no matter how people choose to travel."
The 23 Trafford roads set for resurfacing
Ashley Road and Railway Street at Altrincham, between Hale Road and The Downs. Sections of Atlantic Street at Broadheath. Barton Dock Road, at Lostock and Barton, between Mercury Way and Parkway, extending previous planned improvements. Broadway at Davyhulme, between Barton Road and Amersham Close westbound. Canal Road at Timperley North, sections between Park Road and Deansgate Lane, extending previous planned improvements. Green Walk at Bowdon between Green Courts and Holmwood. Greenfield Avenue at Urmston between Railway Road and Primrose Avenue. Hale Road at Hale Barns and Timperley South, sections between Wicker Lane and Tithebarn Road. Harboro Road at Ashton Upon Mersey and Manor, between Hayling Road and Moss Lane. Kings Road at Longford, sections between Edge Lane and Warwick Road South, extending previous planned improvements. Langham Road at Bowdon, between Bow Green Road and Talbot Road. Lloyd Street at Altrincham and Hale, sections between Ashley Road and Manor Road. Lostock Road at Lostock and Barton, and Urmston, sections between Davyhulme Circle and Lostock Circle. Market Street and High Street at Altrincham, sections. Norris Road at Brooklands, sections between Brooklands Road and Craddock Road, extending previous planned improvements. Old Hall Road at Sale Moor, sections between Dane Road and M60 west slip road and roundabout. Parkway at Lostock and Barton, slip road from Barton Dock Road to Lostock Circle. Sinderland Lane at Bowdon, sections between Covershaw Lane and Warburton Lane. Talbot Road at Gorse Hill and Cornbrook, and Longford, A56 to Byron Road. Tenax Road at Gorse Hill and Cornbrook, Tenax Circular to Parkway Circular southbound. Trafford Wharf Road, Gorse Hill and Cornbrook, ITV Studios to number 125. Warwick Road South at Longford, Ayres Road to Wilton Avenue. Westinghouse Road at Gorse Hill and Cornbrook, Mosley Road to Europa Circle westbound lane one.
