Long wait for Poynton Relief Road finally over

A design and build contract was awarded to contractor Graham in autumn 2019, which has been undertaking early detailed design and site surveys. Early enabling works on the scheme are due to commence this autumn with the road expected to open to traffic in autumn 2022.

Funding for the £53m scheme was agreed by government earlier this year. Local residents have welcomed the news that the scheme can finally begin, following decades of campaigning to ease the burden of high traffic volumes in Poynton.

Poynton Relief Road will be a modern, standard single carriageway, approximately three kilometres in length. The relief road will also include two overbridge crossings for use by walkers, cyclists and farm vehicles. A 3.5 metre-wide combined cycle and footway will run beside the length of the route on the western side of the main carriageway.

Councillor Craig Browne, deputy leader of Cheshire East Council said, “I am delighted to announce that work on the long-awaited Poynton Relief Road can finally commence.  The council sees this scheme as a key priority in improving connections across our borough.

“The Poynton Relief Road is a critical part of delivering our vision for sustainable economic growth and is another example of how this council delivers high-quality infrastructure; creating jobs, addressing the long-standing problems regarding congestion in Poynton and improving access to Macclesfield and other key strategic employment sites.”

Leo Martin, managing director of civil engineering for Graham, said: “We are relishing the prospect of collaborating with Cheshire East Council on this important project that will bring both economic and social regeneration to the north of Cheshire East.

“With over 15 years of experience in delivering similar, complex highways projects throughout the UK, including the Congleton Link Road, we will be tapping into this expertise to ensure completion of the relief road to the very highest standards. 

“Traffic has been a considerable challenge, particularly in the Poynton and Macclesfield areas, which has resulted in a range of negative impacts for residents, motorists and the environment. This new relief road will serve to improve connectivity and reduce congestion. But this scheme will do so much more, proving a boost to the local economy and local businesses’ growth prospects.”

For more information on the Poynton Relief Road and to read the latest updates, visit our website.