The M58 link road aims to alleviate traffic on Ormskirk Road (A577) which is one of Wigan borough’s busiest routes, promoting east to west connectivity and improving air quality. The new link road connects a number of key employment sites to local roads, which will bring the opportunity to create new jobs linking with the council’s wider commitment to supporting the borough’s economy.
Building on the success of the recently constructed A49 Link Road, the new road is a 2.3km single carriageway link, providing a continuous route from junction 26 of the M6 / M58, via extending the existing Leopold Street, crossing the A571 and connecting to Smithy Brook Road and Westwood Way. The new road will form a major piece in the jigsaw to improve east-west connections across the Wigan borough.
Following planning approval in 2018 and 2021, the scheme is currently being refined through detailed design and a procurement exercise will be undertaken to appoint a contractor, prior to main road construction commencing. Advanced enabling works will be undertaken where possible to reduce the overall duration of work
When will work start?
Planning approval for the M58 link road was granted on 24th May 2018.
The planning documentation is available to view online using the Council’s planning applications enquiries system.
You can also view the Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO), Side Roads Order (SRO) and associated documents in relation to the scheme.
Wigan Council is committed to the delivery of the M58 Link Road scheme and the project team have been working with design consultants and key stakeholders, including National Highways with elements of the design work.
Next steps - Archaeological / Mine Working Trials
Archaeological and mine working trials were completed on site in Autumn 2023. The preparatory off-highway was completed with a view to assist with design element and the construction phase of the project.
If there are opportunities to carry out works in advance of the main contract, such as utility diversions or vegetation clearance, then these will be considered and carefully planned.
Who is funding the M58 link road?
Funding for the scheme will come from a combination of public and private sector finances, including Greater Manchester Local Growth Deal funding.
Will the road impact our environment?
The road will follow natural contours to minimise environmental impact and we have taken steps to include landscaping to reduce visual intrusion. The road is subject to a full Environmental Impact Assessment and we are working with our partners to ensure our greenspaces are protected as much as possible.
A full ecological mitigation strategy will also be implemented as part of the works to conserve and enhance wildlife and their habitats.
The M58 link road will have a 30mph speed limit and will be complete with pedestrian and cycle facilities.
Have your say
Between June and July 2021 we carried out public engagement on our proposals to submit a supplementary planning application to create a new highway junction and bridge structure at the junction of Billinge Road to facilitate the M58 Link Road.
We wanted to raise awareness and give local residents and businesses the opportunity to have their say on the proposals prior to a formal planning application submission following distribution of an M58 Link Road Scheme information leaflet.
On the 28 July 2021 residents and businesses were invited to attend a virtual engagement session offering the opportunity to raise any comments and concerns.
Now the engagement period has closed, we have reviewed all correspondence and comments received and collated your responses. These can be viewed below: