Scheme progress
This page lists the main scheme milestones.
Scheme Background
The scheme evolved through a rigorous assessment process initiated by the Highways Agency and the Council in 1996. At that time, the need for improvements was determined by road safety concerns, road user delay on the trunk road network between Todwick crossroads and the M1 and the mix of local and regional strategic traffic.
2001: Annex E Submission
The scheme was reviewed following the transfer of the road to the Council as highway authority and it was promoted in the form of an Annex E Submission in 2001.
Post Annex E Submission: Public Consultation
Following the Annex E submission, the Scheme was subject to further modifications during development and progression through the planning and design stages, which included consultation with local groups, residents and other such feedback. This resulted in a number of changes to the Scheme design.
Following Department for Transport ("DfT") approval in 2001, the scheme progressed to the planning application stage. At that time, the Government Office (GO) reviewed it and confirmed that they were content for it to progress to Programme Entry Stage.
2004: Planning Approval
Following Government Office confirmation for progression to Programme Entry Stage, planning approval was granted in December 2004.
2009: Revised Planning Application
After the approved scheme design, there were amendments to take into account changes in the latest design guidelines and to ensure the delivery of the most appropriate cost-effective design. This led to the need to make a number of amendments to the approved scheme layout, and a second planning application was made. Planning permission was granted on the 4th June 2009.
2010: Public Inquiry
The Government Office for the North East advised that a public inquiry for the scheme should be held. The Council's Statement of Case was submitted in support of this in February 2010.
2010 June: Scheme on-hold
The A57 Improvement Scheme, in common with other major road schemes, was put on hold by the new Government. The Public Inquiry into the side roads orders was postponed until further notice. The scheme was reconsidered by the Department for Transport following the government's comprehensive spending review in the Autumn of 2010.
2011: Scheme Has Programme Entry Reconfirmed
The A57 Improvement Scheme was one of only 10 local major schemes to have programme entry reconfirmed, which means that Department For Transport financial support will be made available for the scheme if statutory procedures are successful. A new planning application was submitted to reflect the small changes to the scope of the scheme that were submitted to the Department For Transport for approval prior to programme entry reconfirmed.
2012: Compulsory Purchase Orders and Site Roads Order Confirmed by the Secretary of State
2012: Scheme Receives Final Approval from the DfT
2012: Work Starts on Site September 2012
Last update: 13/11/2012