Historic East-West Road Plan Linking M61 and M6 Could Be Revived After 80 Years
A long-awaited plan for an east-west road connecting the M61 and M6 motorways, first envisioned shortly after World War II, could be revived as part of a transformative transport strategy. Wigan Council has published a masterplan aimed at improving connections between Bolton and Wigan, a project that dates back nearly eight decades and pre-dates the construction of key motorways like the M6, M61, and M58.
Transformational Strategy for East-West Links
This month, Wigan Council released a strategy for east-west road links, describing them as transformational for the communities impacted. A report to the council's place and environment scrutiny committee detailed the masterplan, acknowledging that the link will be delivered in separate phases. The council emphasised that realisation could come through a combination of local developments and funding from Greater Manchester streams and national programmes.
Plans for such a road trace back almost 80 years, with a route first identified in the post-war period. A detailed route, the A5225, was approved in the early 1990s, and a draft order was recommended in 1996 following a public inquiry. However, later that year, the Department for Transport withdrew the scheme from the national roads programme.
An earlier report presented to Bolton Council highlighted the longstanding need for resolution in east-west connections between Bolton and Wigan, noting that infrastructure complexities have historically hindered funding and delivery. The aspirations date to the immediate post-war era when a scheme (Route 225) was included in Lancashire's road plan.
Phased Approach and Funding Prospects
The scrutiny committee report in Wigan stated that the key task is to align the east-west link proposal with current contexts and make the case for investment as specific funding opportunities arise. Significant work has been undertaken to develop a business case, ensuring confidence in costs and delivery arrangements.
Phase one of the work is likely to include development-funded sections such as North Leigh Park, the Gibfield Park Way extension, and Park Avenue Central and South near Westhoughton. With North Leigh Park recently added to the Government's New Homes Accelerator initiative, there is now a genuine prospect of delivering related link road schemes in the short to medium term.
Primary Phases of the East-West Link Road Proposals
The east-west link road proposals involve several key phases, each critical for connecting the M61 to the M6 and improving regional transport networks.
M58 Link Road
The M58 Link Road is a proposed 2.3km single carriageway link between junction 6 of the M58 and junction 26 of the M6, connecting to Goose Green in Wigan via the A49 Warrington Road. This infrastructure will provide high-profile access to Wigan town centre from the M58 and M6, support key employment sites with improved motorway access, and alleviate traffic on the busy A577 Ormskirk Road through areas like Orrell and Pemberton. It aims to address a severe weakness in Wigan's transport network and improve east-west connections across the borough.
Wigan-Hindley Link Road
This four-kilometre road would include upgrades to Seaman Way, providing new access over the west coast main line railway as an extension of the A49 Link Road. It would remove through traffic from Wigan town centre and the A577 between Wigan and Hindley. In association with the South Hindley and North Leigh Park Link Roads, 1,650 homes depend on this section. It is under consideration as part of the Department for Transport's Major Route Network programme, with confirmation expected in 2026.
South Hindley Link Road
Proposed for a residential-led development of up to 2,000 new homes, this section includes a new local centre, community facilities, and a link road running east-west from the A58 Liverpool Road to the A578 Leigh Road, designed to accommodate bus services. Phase 1, involving up to 350 units, relies on existing infrastructure, while full development depends on the South Hindley Link Road.
North Leigh Park Link Road
With outline planning permission for around 1,500 homes, this development includes a new local centre and a link road from the A578 Leigh Road to the A579 Atherleigh Way. This section will be delivered directly through the development process.
Gibfield Park Way Extension
Allocated under the Places For Everyone Plan, land west of Gibfield is set for mixed-use development with about 500 homes and 45,500 sqm of employment space. The policy requires good quality road access, including an extension of Gibfield Park Way northwards, with a route safeguarded for future connections into Bolton. An extension to a point 230 metres south of the railway line is anticipated, with a planning application expected in 2026.
West of Gibfield – Park Avenue Link
This short connection between west of Gibfield and Lee Hall developments, mostly within Wigan borough, includes a bridge over the Atherton rail line. To the north, Bolton Council is working with Peel Land on developments at Hulton Park, including Lee Hall and Park Avenue east of Westhoughton, connecting to the A6 and M61 Junction 5. Park Avenue has hybrid planning consent, with Peel Land working on a new application to advance infrastructure, funded through developer contributions and external funding accessed by Bolton Council.
