Congleton Link Road gets green light to open

The anticipated opening date of the £90m Congleton Link Road has been revealed as Monday 19 April. Wolstenholme Elmy Way will be its historic new name after Congleton’s pioneering figure Elizabeth Wolstenholme Elmy. Elizabeth who lived in Congleton all her adult life was one of the most important figures in the national women’s rights movement of the 19th and early 20th century. Her work led to girls getting an education and women getting the vote.

Before officially opening to vehicles, the public will be granted exclusive access to safely run, walk, or cycle the 5.5km stretch of bypass from Friday 16 April – Sunday 18 April. The opening to traffic on Monday 19 April will be marked by a small Covid-secure ribbon-cutting ceremony followed by local classic cars enthusiasts driving their vehicles along the route for the first time.

Viv Ash, organiser of Beartown Road Cruise Event said “This is a once in a lifetime experience for enthusiasts to cruise the new highway before it’s open to the public. We have had a fantastic response so far from motorists wanting to take part in this one-off opportunity. We may have to limit vehicles to 100. Cars entered range from the Batmobile to classic Rolls Royce and Bentleys. All entrance fees from the cruise will be donated to the new Christie Cancer Centre at Macclesfield District General Hospital. Entrants must apply before the deadline of 31 March 2021. For more information or to complete the application form visit our Facebook page: @beartownroadcruise event.

Town Mayor, Cllr Sally Ann Holland said “I am delighted the borough’s largest infrastructure project has progressed so well, despite the added pressures of two very wet winters and, of course, the Covid pandemic.

“The new road aims to relieve traffic congestion in Congleton, freeing up road space for cyclists and pedestrians and improving air quality for residents. It will create much needed growth opportunities for our town centre businesses and the potential to generate new jobs and investment in the town. This will be a momentous moment for our local community.”

The new highway joins the A534 Sandbach Road to the west and the A536 Macclesfield Road to the north, opening up connectivity and improving travel between Macclesfield, Congleton and the M6.