Western Gateway Infrastructure Scheme (WGIS)

The first phases of WGIS included realigning the existing A57 Liverpool Road, creating an underpass for the future rail freight line, building a mile-long new dual carriageway link to Trafford Way and a new lift bridge over the Manchester Ship Canal, plus improvements to M60 Junctions, local roads and junctions to improve access and boost regeneration to the area around Port Salford, the AJ Bell Stadium and TraffordCity. The infrastructure also provides improved pedestrian and cycle access over the Manchester Ship Canal. Delivery of these improvements were conditions of the Port of Salford development to reduce traffic on local roads and relieve peak time congestions on the M60 Barton Bridge.

The project team had to deal with the challenges of construction activity on busy sections of the road network whilst working with many stakeholders in the project including Highways England, Salford City Council and Trafford Council, Manchester Ship Canal Company, Sale Sharks and Salford City Reds, as well as local residents, businesses and visitors in Irlam, Cadishead, Barton and TraffordCity.

The new road and bridge were opened in December 2017. Now that motorists have become familiar with the alternative route over the Ship Canal, the infrastructure has significantly improved traffic flows in the area and the residents of Peel Green have seen a reduction in traffic, particularly during peak times and on match days.