The A555 Manchester Airport Relief Road – closed since the start of the new year after heavy flooding and subsequent snowfall – was finally reopened on Friday afternoon.
The dual carriageway road – which was opened in 2018 – has become notorious for flooding.
The route in south Manchester, between Hazel Grove and Manchester Airport, flooded on New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day – and has remained closed ever since. Cars were left stuck and abandoned there before heavy snow fell across Greater Manchester.
An inspection of the road was carried out on Friday morning ahead of a possible re-opening at noon. That was confirmed at 2pm – ending a frustrating 10-day closure for motorists.
The A555’s extended closure, the latest of many other closures of the route over the years due to flooding, has led to stinging criticism, with small business leaders in Greater Manchester calling into question those behind its design and travel agency body the ABTA also speaking out.
The A555
(Image: FSB)
The road serves as a major feeder route to Manchester Airport, the wider motorway network in south Manchester including the M56, Manchester city centre via the A34, and on into south Cheshire in the other direction.
Writing on Facebook, Stockport Council confirmed the route was now open again.
“From 2pm the A555 will be fully open,” said the town hall.
“Thank you for bearing with us while our teams have made the road safe and completed their inspection checks.
“Take care out there – temperatures will continue to drop over the weekend, and an amber weather alert is still in place for cold weather.”