Contractor given green light to dual the A556 near Knutsford

Costain has begun work on a £102m highways job to dual the A556 near Knutsford.

The contractor has been formally awarded the job following early contractor involvement with client the Highways Agency.

Work will be carried out between M6 Junction 19 at Knutsford with M56 Junction 7 near Bowdon to create a dual carriageway over its 4 miles (6.5km) length.

Work will commence immediately, with the new link road expected to open in 2016/7.

Andrew Wyllie, chief executive of Costain, said: “We are delighted to have secured the delivery phase of this vital scheme, following our successful work during the ECI phase in providing specialist design consultation and securing planning approval.

“This award is further demonstration of the importance to Costain of long-term, strategic partnerships with our customers, and our ability to deliver a range of innovative integrated services.”