One of the most controversial and frustrating roadworks projects in recent memory has finally been completed.
The A56 road-widening scheme at the junction with Park Road – a scheme estimated to have cost somewhere between £1m and £2m – has caused untold misery for commuters and dragged on far longer than many observers have thought necessary.
As well as many months of delays, the scheme also saw the introduction of a one-lane system that was branded “incredibly dangerous”, with some also suggesting it played a role in the tragic death of a 25-year-old woman in June.
But drivers approaching the junction yesterday were stunned to see that there were no coned-off areas on the affected stretch of Manchester Road.
And OneTrafford, the Trafford Council/Amey PLC partnership that has apologised for the length of time taken to complete the project, has today confirmed that the work was finally completed yesterday.
A spokesman confirmed that “the junction is working with all available roadspace in both northern and southern directions”.
There is still some surfacing work to be done on footway areas, but it is not expected to require any further traffic management.
OneTrafford has promised that the project will deliver a number of long-term benefits such as “safer pedestrian crossings and swifter journeys for motorists”.
