Uncovering The Lost M62 Relief Road Plan For Bury

Mei Lin

4 min read

Post on May 25, 2025

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The Historical Context of the M62 Relief Road Plan for Bury

The initial proposals for an M62 relief road in Bury likely emerged sometime between the late 1970s and early 1980s, a period of significant economic growth alongside increasing car ownership. The main motivations were clear: to drastically reduce congestion on existing roads, particularly around the M62 junctions impacting Bury, and to improve access to employment opportunities in the surrounding areas. Key stakeholders involved included Bury Metropolitan Borough Council, the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE – now Transport for Greater Manchester), and potentially the Department for Transport (DfT).

Specific proposals within the plan, although largely undocumented, likely included:

• Proposed Route: A new bypass road, potentially linking directly with the M62, designed to divert traffic away from the town centre.
• Estimated Cost: The cost would have been substantial, requiring significant government funding, likely in the tens or hundreds of millions of pounds (in today's money).
• Predicted Impact: The plan aimed to reduce journey times, improve traffic flow, boost economic activity, and potentially enhance air quality in Bury.

Reasons for the Plan's Abandonment

Unfortunately, the M62 relief road plan for Bury never came to fruition. Several factors contributed to its demise:

• Environmental Concerns: Stringent environmental regulations, increasingly prevalent during the planning stages, likely raised significant concerns about the environmental impact of the new road, particularly regarding habitat destruction and increased carbon emissions. Impact assessments likely proved unfavourable.
• Funding Issues: Securing the necessary funding from central government proved exceptionally challenging, possibly due to competing infrastructure priorities across the country and budgetary limitations.
• Local Opposition: Significant local opposition from residents and community groups concerned about the potential impact on their neighbourhoods, including noise pollution, disruption during construction, and loss of green spaces, likely played a considerable role.
• Changes in Government Policy: Shifts in national transport policies, favouring public transport and sustainable solutions over large-scale road building projects, also likely contributed to the plan's eventual abandonment.

Examining the Current Traffic Situation in Bury

Today, Bury continues to grapple with significant traffic congestion. Key areas, such as the A58 and roads leading to the M62 junctions, experience significant delays during peak hours. The current transport infrastructure, while improved since the original plan's conception, still struggles to cope with the increased volume of traffic.

This persistent congestion has significant economic and social consequences:

• Increased journey times impacting commuters and businesses.
• Reduced productivity due to delays and lost working hours.
• Negative impacts on air quality and public health due to increased vehicle emissions.

Comprehensive traffic data from Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) would provide more detailed insight into the current situation.

Reviving the M62 Relief Road Plan: A Future Perspective

Given Bury's ongoing transport challenges, it's worthwhile to reassess the feasibility of reviving or adapting the original M62 relief road plan. A revised plan could incorporate modern advancements in road design and environmental considerations:

• Alternative Routes and Designs: Exploring alternative routes that minimize environmental impact and address past community concerns.
• Sustainable Infrastructure: Incorporating features promoting sustainable transport, such as cycling lanes and improved public transport links.
• Innovative Funding Models: Exploring Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and other innovative funding mechanisms to secure the necessary financial resources.
• Community Engagement: Early and extensive community engagement to address concerns and build consensus.

A successful revival of the plan, or a well-designed alternative, would significantly benefit Bury:

• Reduced journey times, boosting economic activity and improving quality of life.
• Improved air quality, contributing to public health.
• Enhanced accessibility for residents and businesses.

Specific next steps should involve a detailed feasibility study, incorporating updated traffic modelling and environmental impact assessments, as well as extensive community consultation.

Conclusion: The Future of Bury's Transport Network and the M62 Relief Road

The historical M62 relief road plan for Bury, though ultimately abandoned, highlights the persistent need for improved transport infrastructure in the town. While the original plan faced challenges, a revised and more sustainable approach could offer significant benefits. Addressing Bury's congestion issues, through a refreshed M62 relief road plan or a similar initiative, is crucial for economic growth and improved quality of life. Let's revisit the possibility of an M62 relief road for Bury – contact your local council and voice your opinion!