A final decision by the government on a scheme to build two new link roads at Mottram Moor is expected to be made in November. 

A Development Consent Order (DCO) application was submitted by National Highways last year and the DCO examination period closed in May. 

If the DCO is approved, construction work on the scheme - currently estimated to cost around £200 million - is set to start between January and March 2023 and would due to be complete some time in 2025. 

National Highways say the new roads would ease congestion, reduce noise levels and pollution, improve journey reliability and reconnect local communities. 

But protestors argue they will do nothing to help improve traffic in Hollingworth and Tintwistle and the plans are not environmentally friendly. High Peak Green New Deal have been promoting an alternative £10 million plan, developed by the CPRE, to provide safer walking and cycling, improved bus services, better integration of public transport and a ban on heavy lorries on the A628. 

Long-suffering residents of Mottram and surrounding areas have waited over 50 years for a solution, amid increasing traffic problems on the congested route between Manchester and Sheffield. 

An artist impression of one element of the National Highways plans

Following a series of public consultations, design and build contractor Balfour Beatty Atkins is currently working with stakeholders to refine the design of the scheme and prepare for construction. 

The A57 Link Roads project will include the creation of two new link roads. 

One is a Mottram Moor Link Road, which will be a new dual carriageway from the M67 junction 4 roundabout to a new junction on the A57(T) at Mottram Moor. 

The other is an A57 Link Road - a new single carriageway link from the A57(T) at Mottram Moor to a new junction on the A57 in Woolley Bridge.

A Development Consent Order is needed as the scheme is classed as a 'Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project' - which means it will be examined by the Planning Inspectorate and must be approved by the Transport Secretary, who is currently Grant Shapps. 

National Highways - formerly Highways England - is the government-owned company responsible for modernising, maintaining and operating England’s motorways and major A roads.