Cheshire East Council responds to Department for Transport decision on A500 scheme

Cheshire East Council is deeply disappointed to learn that its plans to improve the A500 corridor and connections to Crewe Railway Station have been removed from the Government’s Major Road Network programme.

Announced today by the Department for Transport, the decison means Cheshire East Council will not receive the Government funding needed to deliver the scheme.

The scheme would have made journeys safer, easier and more attractive for people walking, wheeling, cycling and driving, as well as improved transport links, supported future growth and encouraged more sustainable travel.

The Government’s decision follows the cancellation of HS2's northern leg in 2023, which led to the loss of the original A500 dualling scheme. Following the cancellation, the council worked with partners to develop a more affordable alternative that still tackled key transport issues along this important route.

Councillor Mark Goldsmith, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for highways and transport said:

“The Department for Transport's latest decision means that, for a second time, a significant opportunity to back the growth potential of Crewe has been lost.

“The A500 is a vital gateway into the town and a key route for our residents, businesses and investors. Improvements to the corridor would have supported new employment and housing, improved people’s journey times, created better transport connections and provided infrastructure capable of supporting our future economic aspirations.

“Councils are being encouraged to drive economic growth, attract investment and facilitate the delivery of new homes and jobs, and so the withdrawal of support for infrastructure schemes such as this is completely at odds.

“It is a deeply disappointing decision for Crewe and for everyone who has worked hard alongside the council to develop a practical and affordable alternative scheme for the A500.

“Following the cancellation of the original HS2-linked proposal, we had responded positively to government requests, adapted our plans and continued to make the case for investment in one of the region's most important transport corridors.

“This decision also creates an additional financial challenge for Cheshire East Council as we continue our work to restore long-term financial sustainability and move away from Exceptional Financial Support.”

The council will now need to fully assess the financial implications of withdrawing support of the scheme, and whether any aspects of it can still be delivered.

Cllr Goldsmith added:

“Despite today’s announcement, it does not change our ambitions for Crewe. We will continue to work with partners, businesses and government to champion investment in the town and unlock opportunities for future growth and prosperity.

“The new Combined Authority will have decision-making powers and funding for local transport initiatives, and we will work closely with regional partners to explore whether there are alternative opportunities to secure investment for delivery of the A500 scheme in the future.”