A57 Hyde Road
Overview
The A57 Hyde Road is a strategically important trunk road which forms part of the main arterial route network in and out of Manchester City Centre. Hyde Road is a link between the junctions of the M60 and M67 motorways to the east and Ardwick Green South (A6) to the west.
For the majority of its length Hyde Road is a dual carriageway in both directions. However, between Far Lane and Wall Way the dual carriageway narrows to a single carriageway.
To reduce congestion on Hyde Road, the scheme comprised:
- The widening of Hyde Road (A57) from 2 lanes to 4 lanes
- Demolition of railway bridge
- 150m long sheet-piled retaining-wall
- 6m height, new iconic bowstring pedestrian footbridge
- Large scale earthworks
- Highway widening for 2 new lanes, diversion of services and signals.
The brief included minimising disruption, and an extensive Social Value agenda.
During the extended pre-construction phase we worked with Manchester to develop traffic management proposals to ensure work continuity whilst minimising traffic disruption and maintaining two-way flows. We introduced additional temporary pedestrian crossing-points to improve safety.
Significant Activities
- Installation of a steel sheet piled wall to support the earth embankment behind the north abutment and retaining wall
- Demolition of the north abutment
- Partial demolition of the south abutment to accommodate the new bridge support
- Construction of a piled reinforced concrete bank seat behind the north abutment to support the new bridge superstructure
- Construction of a reinforced concrete cill beam onto the remaining south abutment
- Procurement and installation of a new 4m wide steel bow string arch footbridge
- Demolition of the existing brick retaining wall to the north east of the bridge and the removal of the embankment in front of the newly installed sheet piled wall
- Construction of two additional running lanes between Far Lane and Reddish Lane to continue the duality of Hyde Road (main scheme objective)
- Creation of an extra-wide north footway and verge for future cycleway provision
- Landscaping and compensatory tree planting
- Diversion of gas / water / electric / BT services from existing to proposed footway in the North. This is to be completed by Manchester City Council direct with each utility company via a Joint Utility Trench (JUT)
The works were vital in removing pressure from one of Manchester busiest roads, easing congestion and replacing a valued piece of walking and cycling infrastructure.
Key Challenges
- Prevention of pedestrian slips and trips
- Working at height
- Buried services
- COVID-19 pandemic restrictions
This is one of the busiest trunk roads into Manchester, which added complexity to the construction.
Added Value
In our social value commitment we provided:
- 1 x full time apprenticeship
- 1 x work placement
- Recruited locally a Community Liaison Officer
- £3,000 donation to procure and install shrub planting at the Butterfly Garden for the Gorton Heritage Trail. We also assisted with the planting.
- COVID-19 prohibited the promised wider social value, however a £10,000 donation was made to the Read Manchester charity, an initiative that connects Year 6 pupils with secondary school pupils through a shared reading programme