By George Lythgoe

A highly congested stretch of road in Stockport will see a huge £34m investment from the government. 

Improvements to the A34, also known as Kingsway, would see reduced traffic and better connectivity for motorists between Cheadle and Handforth. Walking and cycling routes will also benefit from this scheme along the road, providing new opportunities for active and sustainable travel.

Roads Minister Guy Opperman visited Stockport on November 30 as he confirmed works will begin early next year with an estimated end date of 2027.

The project will create new opportunities for clean, active travel for our residents and businesses since it includes the construction of a segregated pedestrian and cycle route running along the A34 corridor. The scheme covers just over 3km of road and is expected to generate more than £72 million in direct economic benefits for Greater Manchester and Stockport.

Left to right: Roads minister Guy Opperman, Cllr Grace Baynham, Cllr Mark Roberts (Image - Guy Opperman)

Mr Opperman experienced the congestion first hand when he arrived in the borough to make the announcement – stating he was held up in the very traffic the scheme proposes to vanquish. 

"This is an integrated scheme that will bring a variety of benefits to the local community," the roads minister said. "What is exciting isn't just a road scheme, cycling scheme, active travel scheme, bus scheme or just supporting kids – it is the whole lot together.

"That is really innovative and very progressive in my view. This has been in the making for a number of years and we are delighted to get this over the line and we will have spades in the ground by February.

"It was great to visit Cheadle today and hear first-hand how our funding will help improve one of Stockport's key roads as we work hard to keep this country moving and back drivers." 

(Image - Guy Opperman)

Stood outside Kingsway School on Broadway, the roads minister declared the 'grotty underpass' that connects the two school campuses would be one of the improvements to be made under the scheme not just for students, but for cyclists and pedestrians as well.

On top of the Government's £33.6 million funding boost, Stockport Council and local third party funders will provide just under £10 million for a total of £43 million joint investment in the scheme. The improvements will boost access to the Cheadle Royal Business Park and the Stanley Green business area.

Deputy leader Cllr Mark Roberts and Cllr Grace Baynham, cabinet member for Parks, Highways & Transport Services were both in attendance alongside the government minister for the announcement. They stated that the road itself has been a huge problem for congestion and this new scheme would help improve the flow of traffic on the busy stretch of road.

Although delays due to roadworks are expected through this, Cllr Baynham explained it would be 'short-term trouble for a long-term gain'. Cllr Roberts highlighted that the scheme would massively improve safety in the area for school children, pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.

(Image - Guy Opperman)

In a statement Cllr Roberts, who is also cabinet member for Climate Change and Environment, said: "This latest milestone in this project is once again fantastic news for Stockport.

"We believe this new scheme will help to encourage active travel by encouraging our residents to make healthier choices when they travel around our borough, as well as ensuring journey times are improved.

"This scheme is much more than just focussing on cars: its aim is to encourage and support more sustainable forms of transport."

The improvements to the A34 also come alongside the Plan for Drivers announced in October, which include £70 million to keep traffic flowing, updating 20mph zone guidance for England to help prevent inappropriate blanket use, and measures to speed up the rollout of electric vehicle charging.

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