Major upgrade will help prevent flooding on key airport route

Major improvements have now been completed on the A555 near Manchester Airport to reduce the risk of flooding and keep the road open during heavy rain.

Cheshire East Council has upgraded the pumping station that helps manage water levels on the Manchester Airport Eastern Link Road (A555), a key route connecting Stockport, Manchester Airport and surrounding areas.  

This upgrade doubles the current pumping capability, which was limiting the stations’ ability to cope during storms. The work involved replacing the ageing control panel, which had clocked up more than 61,000 hours of use.  

Councillor Mark Goldsmith, chair of Cheshire East Council’s highways and transport committee, said:

“We know how worrying and disruptive it can be for drivers when this road floods. This upgrade means the pumping station is now much more reliable and better equipped to deal with severe weather.  

“It’s a big step forward in keeping this important road open and safe during the increasingly heavy downpours we are getting.” 

The A555 has flooded several times in recent years, causing serious disruption and even leaving vehicles stranded. While no solution can completely eliminate the risk of flooding, this upgrade is a key step in improving the road’s resilience to heavy rain.  

The council is continuing to explore further ways to strengthen flood prevention measures and ensure the road remains a safe and reliable route for all road users.