MP’s call for cash to ease M56 congestion
A CHEHIRE MP has repeated his calls for more investment in a major motorway with a reputation for congestion between Runcorn and Chester.
Chris Matheson, Labour, revealed to the Commons that he had been making the case for more cash to ease pressure on the M56, which he said was ‘clogged up and overcrowded’.
The stretch between Runcorn and Chester missed out on any funding in the Government’s last Road Invest- ● ment Strategy funding package for 2015-20, which pumped cash into upgrading a stretch of the same motorway between junction 6 Manchester Airport and junction 8 Altrincham to a ‘smart motorway’.
Highways England has previously said that the completion of the Mersey Gateway at junction 12 at Clifton in Runcorn, and the installation of a junction 11a at Murdishaw will ease congestion.
Mr Matheson, who represents the City Of Chester constituency, said: “This week, I have had meetings with both Transport For The North and Highways England to pitch a case for investment in the M56, which is clogged up and overcrowded, but all roads – pun intended – seem to lead back to a decision made at the Department For Transport.
“May we have a debate on the Government’s forthcoming road investment strategy part 2, so that we can make the case for extra investment for the M56?”
Andrea Leadsom, Lord President Of The Council and Leader Of The House Of Commons, replied: “I am glad that the hon. Gentleman mentioned the Government’s review of the strategic road network, which will be very important.
“I am absolutely sure that ministers will come to the House to set out the plans as soon as they are able to.”