Manchester Airports Group has said it needs to move a key airport road to progress with expansion plans. The group is in the process of undertaking a series of improvements to its airfield to 'unlock the full potential of' its runways and 'enable passengers to fly to even more destinations'. Part of the work will see a section of Runger Lane relocated, new planning documents suggest.
Road Realignment Plans
The route runs between Terminal Two and the M56 Junction 6. It currently acts as the principal route through the western area of the airport, serving the nearby hotels, aviation support facilities and freight operations. The proposed new route would shift westwards, passing through what is currently a car park, designs show. The lane would also be widened to two carriageways to 'support future travel demand', documents add.
The scheme is intended to facilitate the expansion of the adjacent airfield. This in turn would allow the creation of a two-way taxiway to and from airport runways and create additional aircraft stands, Manchester Airports Group said. The proposal aims to increase 'operational resilience and contingency'.
Junction Improvements and Construction
Junction improvements are also proposed where Runger Lane meets Avro Way, which would be signalised. A new northern hotel access junction would further be created, as would a junction to Hasty Lane. The Manchester Airports Group said the road would remain open during construction work, closing once the new route is completed. However, traffic management measures would be in place and night-time closures could be needed.
The plan is in its early stages, with just an Environmental Impact Assessment scoping report submitted to Manchester City Council and Trafford council. This asks the local authorities whether an EIA is needed as part of the formal planning process and, if it is, what the scope of that assessment should be.
Timeline and Background
However, documents reveal that the company hopes to start work on site in September 2027, with this expected to last 12 months. The plan comes on the back of a £1.3bn transformation of Manchester Airport in recent years. This has seen Terminal Two extended, doubling it in size, and rendering Terminal One redundant.
Features of the new-look Terminal 2 include the Great Northern Market and the Boutique Mall, home to Fever Tree bar and luxury retailers. The expansion of Terminal Three also forms part of the improvement plans.
