Work on a new £102m dual carriageway near Bowdon has been given the go-ahead by the Highways Agency.
The new four-mile road is intended to alleviate traffic on the A556 and will run between Junction 19 of the M6 near Knutsford and Junction 7 of the M56 near Bowdon.
Construction company Costain has begun work on the project after being formally awarded the job. The new road is expected to open in 2016/17.
The road will take traffic away from local villages, by-passing Over Tabley, Mere and Bucklow Hill. It will run to the west of the existing A556 and will be built below ground level where possible to minimise the impact on the surrounding area.
The road will rejoin the existing A556 for a short section near Bucklow Hill, which will be upgraded. Improvements will also be made to the layout of Junction 7 of the M56.
A public consultation on the proposed road had begun as long ago as 2007.
Below: The new road
