Major Schemes and the wider Strategic Network

Major Schemes and the wider Strategic Network This Chapter details the County Council s priorities for taking forward Major Scheme projects between 2006 and 2011. It also reviews longer-term major scheme aspirations and outlines Highway Agency and Strategic Rail Authority schemes which are proposed to be taken forward during the LTP period. This takes into account the issues and implications of the Regional Funding Allocations exercise. Noting the outcome of the Regional Funding Allocation exercise, Government Office for the North West have instructed local authorities in the region not to set out schemes in terms of a priority order. 5.1 Introduction The Government has made it clear that there is limited funding available to fund local authorities major scheme proposals over the next five years. A major scheme is defined as a large scale transport project that will cost more than 5 million. Schemes which will be approved must deliver best value for money and demonstrate how they will contribute towards the delivery of the national for Transport objectives. The provisional LTP set out details of Cheshire s existing the scheme priorities (A34 Alderley Edge and Nether Alderley Bypass and the SEMMMS major scheme proposals) and new priorities for the LTP2 period (Crewe Rail Gateway and Northwich Vision). Since this was published the Government have conducted a major review of local transport priorities as part of their Regional Funding Allocation process. This explored in more detail below along with the implications for major scheme proposals for Cheshire. A number of proposals for major schemes in Cheshire were suggested during the public consultation and stakeholder participation exercises to inform the preparation of this document. The majority would be able to satisfy the general transport requirements covered by a major scheme submission. However, noting the implications of the RFA process there must be a degree of realism and understanding that there will not be sufficient resources available to deliver them all during the next five years. 5.2 The Regional Funding Allocation and transport prioritisation In July 2005, following a joint initiative established by H.M. Treasury, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, DfT and DTI, the GONW was invited to submit to the Ministers investment programmes and policy proposals for housing, economic development and transport based on the 10 year Regional Funding Allocations for the North West. This is being undertaken in order to enhance regional input into overall policy development. Work is being co-ordinated by Government Offices. Their task is to provide information on regional transport priorities over a ten year period up to and including 2015/16. This information and advice was submitted to the Government in January 2006. This will be used to help inform Government policy development and, more critically, public spending decisions that affect the regions. Although the transport element of the Regional Funding Allocation makes some 1.35 billion available to the North West up to 2015/16, over 4 billion of potential schemes are in competition for the funds available. Some 235 million of this is already committed. Therefore, the Government is seeking robust advice from the regions to enable affordable programmes to be planned. This advice includes: A clear outline of the objectives for the region which proposed transport investment is intended to address (whether these be transport or other objectives) in the context of the region s overall objectives; A clear outline of what transport interventions, affordable within the planning assumptions, are considered priorities for the achievement of those objectives; An outline of priorities within the three main time blocks based on estimated start dates; Evidence on what estimates of value for money and costing have been utilised, and on any factors beyond those considered in value for money assessments which have influenced the priority given to specific proposals; and Evidence of stakeholder engagement and levels of support for advice as presented. Preliminary work has now been completed and a study report prepared setting out conclusions and recommendations based on the broad consensus of regional stakeholders. This sets out a prioritised ten-year investment programme for the RFA based on a rigorous assessment framework. This reviewed all potential schemes and grouped outcomes into quartiles with those in the top quartile representing the best performing schemes. Cheshire schemes are grouped as follows: Quartile One A34 Alderley Edge and Nether Alderley Bypass; Crewe Green Link (Southern Section); Crewe Rail Gateway; SEMMMS Relief Road Scheme; and A556 (M6 to M56) improvement (Highways Agency scheme). Quartile Two Northwich Vision; Chester Transport Strategy; Middlewich Eastern Bypass; and A55 / A483 Chester Business Park Junction Improvement (Highways Agency scheme). Quartile Three No schemes. Quartile Four A500 On-line improvements; A54 Improvements (Winsford Middlewich M6); and Route upgrade linking Wilmslow, Macclesfield to M6 Junction 17. The preliminary study also sets out a guide for spending profiles and investment programmes between 2006/07 and 2015/16 for schemes in the top quartile. The phasing and proposed investment for Cheshire schemes is set out in Table 5.1 below. The transport programme has been integrated with those for housing and economy and have been submitted to the Ministers. Final decisions are anticipated in the spring of this year. However, there was disappointment that neither the Northwich or Chester projects made the top quartile. The Council is committed to continue working on these projects with our partners ahead of any future review of the current outcome of this process. Furthermore, the projects identified as addressing access issues to the M6 corridor need to be developed, especially given the emerging M6 plans to increase capacity by either widening or expressway options. The council will continue to make the case for these improvements as part of the M6 study or through TIF initiatives. Table 5.1 RFA Top Quartile costs and phasing 2006/07 2015/16 (All figures in million) Scheme Alderley Edge & Nether Alderley Bypass Crewe Green Link (Southern Section) Crewe Rail Gateway SEMMMS A556 (M6 to M56) Improvement * * Highways Agency Scheme 2006/07 2007/08 1 2008/09 12 4 2009/10 13.5 3 5 11 5.3 Cheshire s major scheme priorities Cheshire s initial proposals for transport major schemes were set out in our Provisional Local Transport Plan which was published in July 2005. Our longer-term transport aspirations are set out in the Structure Plan. The County Council believes that sustained and targeted investment in major transport projects over the next ten years will be a critical factor in helping Cheshire meet our vision long term Local Transport Strategy and secure our economic, social and environmental objectives. This is critical because: Cheshire s economy is the third fastest growing and fifth most prosperous in the country; Whilst we do all we can to reduce traffic and congestion, encourage public transport and other measures we do face critical capacity issues on parts of our road and rail network; The M6, M56, A556, West Coast Main Line and access to them are vital to the functioning of the region; Our prosperity is vital to meeting regional aims to boost wealth and prosperity. Over the next ten years we will be contributing over 138 billion extra to the regional economy the North West Development Agencies new Regional Economic Strategy sets out to support Cheshire s development Investing in Success to benefit the region and our city neighbours; Many of our businesses are at the leading edge of the regional economy; Access to Manchester and Liverpool airports through Cheshire is vital to their continued expansion; Improved access means more opportunities from those in deprived areas (especially in Liverpool and Manchester) to access jobs in Cheshire; and The regeneration and continued development of key towns like Chester, Crewe and Northwich, involving many billions of pounds of planned investment and thousands of new jobs, depends on the funding of our major schemes. 2010/11 13 3 16.3 11 2011/12 11.3 2012/13 7.8 2013/14 10 2014/15 36 2015/16 40 152 153

5.3.1 Schemes in RFA top quartile 5.3.1.1 A34 Alderley Edge & Nether Alderley Bypass A 5 km bypass to the west of Alderley Edge to reduce congestion, improve access and enhance the environment for communities and business in southern Manchester and north east Cheshire. The scheme is vital to improving access to Manchester Airport, the continued success of Astra Zeneca, and to the communities of Alderley Edge and Nether Alderley. Its delivery is crucial to achieving key objectives set out in the Regional Economic Strategy, Manchester City Region development, and Invest in Success the Cheshire and Warrington Economic Strategy. Improved access to the Astra Zeneca site at Alderley Park a regional strategic site with over 5000 employees and a multi-million pound investment programme for the further development of the site; Reduced noise levels along the A34; traffic levels; Impact on only a very small number of properties - environmental "mitigation" measures will be incorporated to protect people and the local natural environment; Help sustain local businesses and stimulate growth; Reduced traffic levels of 50% in one of Cheshire s most congested towns; Much improved safety and reduced casualties by Reduced vehicle / pedestrian conflict; Allows greater freedom of movement for pedestrians, in particular vulnerable road users; A safer "environment" for people to live and work in; Improved air quality in the village; and Improved "social activity" due to a more "people friendly environment. Status All planning and compulsory purchase order processes completed awaiting regional prioritisation for funding before Secretary of State will confirm orders. 5.3.1.2 South-East Manchester Multi Modal Study (SEMMMS) Proposals An extensive relief road scheme and comprehensive package of complementary measures. Specific elements impacting on Cheshire are the provision of Poynton Bypass and Manchester Airport Eastern Link Road. The SEMMMS strategy was approved by Government in March 2002. The scheme is fundamental to implementing city-region development across the Greater Manchester and Cheshire boundaries and meeting key objectives contained in the Regional Economic Strategy, Regional Spatial Strategy and Regional Transport Strategy for improved access to Manchester Airport. Fundamental improvement to access to Manchester Airport from the east and south; Enhanced access to the south and east of Manchester and to North Cheshire; Enhanced access to jobs and opportunities; Removal of congestion, particularly in Poynton; Improved public transport operation, reliability and services; Enables regeneration and brownfield renewal; Serves concentration of key regional businesses and growth sectors; Improved access to Manchester City Centre from south; and Substantial reduction in road casualties. A joint Annex E submission and PFI Expression of Interest was submitted to DfT by Cheshire County Council, Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council and Manchester City Council in July 2004. Details of complementary SEMMMS schemes in Cheshire for the period 2006 to 2011 are set out in Chapter Four. Improved "townscape" due to reduced Links to and Links to and 154 155

5.3.1.3 Crewe Rail Gateway The improvement and redevelopment of Crewe Railway Station as a transport interchange with improved vehicle and passenger access to the site. This will provide a 21st century gateway to Crewe, Cheshire and the North West. The scheme is a key component of the Transformation of Crewe regeneration programme, the achievement of the Regional Economic Strategy (especially the strategic site at Basford and improved infrastructure), the proposals for Crewe set out in Regional Spatial Strategy and County Structure Plan and the Crewe Gateway priority in Investing in Success the sub-regional economic strategy. It also supports objectives to improve access to Manchester Airport. Much improved interchange and rail experience for 3m rail users per annum; Additional parking, improved facilities and access to attract large numbers of additional rail users; An attractive rail gateway for the whole of the North West complementing massively improved trains and services; Increased safety and access for pedestrians and the disabled; Facilities for improved rail access to Manchester Airport and, potentially, Liverpool Airport; Ancillary land property and job development; and Provide improved rail access for new Basford regional strategic site (10,000 + jobs); 5.1.3.4 Crewe Green Link Road (Southern Section) The completion of the link road between the A534 and the A500. The scheme is part of the Transformation of Crewe regeneration programme. It also works towards objectives set out in the Regional Economic Strategy (especially the strategic site at Basford and improved infrastructure), the proposals for Crewe set out in Regional Spatial Strategy and County Structure Plan and the Crewe Gateway priority in Investing in Success the sub-regional economic strategy. Supports major development at Basford Regional Strategic Site; Supports wider regeneration projects in Crewe; Improves access to the south east of Crewe including major employment sites (Crewe Business Park, Crewe Gates and MMU Crewe campus); Reduced community severance; Increased accessibility by bus, cycle and on foot to employment, retailing and education services; and Complements the Crewe Rail Gateway proposals. RFA Funding - Estimated total cost 16 million at current prices with RFA funding of 6.0 million and the remainder to be met by developers and NWDA. An improved gateway to Crewe: New university campus (8000 students); Crewe Town Centre (400,000sq ft, 100m improvements planned); Bentley customers; Reduced congestion and complements enhancements along A534 Nantwich Road corridor; Relief of congestion alongside Station and on major arterial roads in Crewe; Improved air quality and reduced traffic noise; Links to and Links to and 156 157

5.4 Additional Cheshire priorities 5.4.1 Northwich Vision (RFA second quartile) To provide comprehensive transport infrastructure improvements, including a new urban link road and additional bridge to cross the River Weaver to facilitate the regeneration of Northwich. The Northwich Vision is a programme of comprehensive regeneration for Northwich town centre, facilitated by the ongoing English Partnerships funded land stabilisation programme. A masterplan has been produced which envisages new retail, residential, office, visitor and leisure development in the heart of the town centre. The scheme is within the Weaver Valley Regional Park proposals (within the Regional Economic and Spatial Strategies); Northwich is Cheshire s 4th largest town, one of its fastest growing and a Regional Spatial Strategy key regional town with a catchment of over 200,000 people. Implementation of the Vision is being driven by a partnership comprising of Vale Royal Borough Council, Cheshire County Council, North West Development Agency, English Partnerships, British Waterways, Environment Agency and Learning and Skills Council. Facilitates a 200 million + regeneration scheme - private sector partner secured; Capitalise some 32m Government funding for salt mine stabilisation and land reclamation programme; Secure the future of the town and its continued growth and development; Enable town centre environmental, safety and access improvements; Secure jobs and improved visitor and cultural attractions; Part of and linked to substantial brownfield site development and a new urban village; and Will enable over 1000 new homes and 2000 new jobs to be provided. Estimated Cost - 35 million (with potential for both developer and North West Development Agency contributions). 5.4.2 Chester Transport Strategy (RFA second quartile) A package of schemes centred around the construction of Chester Western Relief Road and complementary measures to reduce congestion, support economic and city centre regeneration and improve accessibility to jobs and key services in Chester. Chester is a key regional town and is central to the future development of West Cheshire and North East Wales sub-region identified in the Regional Spatial Strategy. Chester Business Park is a regional strategic site. The City is one of the Region s four visitor and tourist attack brands and the protection and enhancement of its city centre is vital to this. The scheme is part of the agreed Chester Transport Strategy and is within the County Structure Plan. Supports major regeneration of Chester City centre new retail, cultural and visitor attractions; Supports additional regeneration opportunities and job creation in Chester and North East Wales; Improved access to employment opportunities at Chester Business Park (10,000+jobs) and any further expansion; Improved access from Chester and Cheshire s most deprived wards to jobs; Improved access to local hospital and new university (9000 students and growing); 30% reduction in through traffic and improved air quality in Chester s historic core; Improved road safety and casualty reduction overall; Comprehensive package of complementary measures to provide bus priority on the radial and inner ring road routes by taking advantage of road space capacity freed up; Improved public transport interchange facilities within the city centre and at the Railway Station; and Supports the continued expansion of the city's Park and Ride network. This includes proposals for more flexible Park and Ride services. Estimated Cost - 46 million with potential for developer and other contributions. Links to and Links to and Manage a well maintained and efficient transport network 158 159

5.4.3 Middlewich Eastern Bypass (RFA second quartile) Completion of a bypass to relieve congestion, provide access to employment sites and improve the town centre environment. The northern section of this route has already been constructed through developer contributions. The scheme supports the Regional Spatial Strategy development framework policy, the Regional Economic Strategy market town and regeneration policies and complements the Weaver Valley Regional Park proposals. The scheme will access a key land allocation identified in the Sub-Regional Economic Strategy. Improved access to existing and new employment sites; Reduced congestion in town centre; Improved road safety and reduces vehicle / pedestrian conflict in Middlewich town centre; Improved air quality in town centre; Supports regeneration and enhancement of key market town; Scheme will support broadening of local employment base; and Complements long-term aspirations to improve access from Winsford and Middlewich to the M6. Estimated Cost - 11 million at current prices with the majority of the cost to be met by developers. 5.5 Use of the Transport Joint Schemes Fund The Transport Joint Schemes Fund was created in 1989 to enable the County Council to work in partnership with the private sector to deliver mutually beneficial schemes through partnership. A large number of schemes have been delivered through this arrangement over the last fifteen years. It is proposed to continue with this arrangement in the second LTP period. Providing a suitable agreement can be made with potential developers it is planned that the Crewe Green Link (Southern Section) and the Middlewich Eastern Bypass will be progressed through the Joint Schemes process during the next five years. 5.6 The Strategic Network Notwithstanding its major scheme proposals, the County Council has identified a number of schemes of particular importance that Figure 5.1 The Major Schemes and the Local Strategic Network are recognised as contributing towards its wider long term strategic and corporate objectives as well as those of regional and national importance. These include rail schemes. These are set out in policies T3, T7a and T8 in the County Structure Plan. All are highlighted in Figure 5.1. The sequence and timing of implementation of all schemes - both major and minor will depend on the completion of statutory procedures, the availability of finance, and the extent to which they meet the DfT s Major scheme criteria. The need for other improvements to the County s transport network - to upgrade the rail system or bypass rural settlements for example - will be kept under review. Any firm proposals for major schemes will be incorporated in future Local Development Documents, Annual Progress Reports and future Local Transport Plans. Links to and 160 161

5.7 Improvements to the Trunk Road network 5.7.1 Highways Agency schemes The Highways Agency is responsible for both national routes (including the M6, M56 and M53) and regional strategic routes. The County Council maintains close liaison with the Highways Agency to ensure that Cheshire s best interests are secured as a result of the development and / or enhancement of the strategic road network. Critical to transport investment are decisions on the M6; incidents on the M6 have the single most dramatic impact on Cheshire s highway network and affect a string of Cheshire towns from Crewe to Knutsford. Future prioritisation of schemes rests on decisions about investment in the M6. A556 M6 to M56 A RFA Top Quartile scheme with RFA funding of 107 million allocated for works between 2013/14 and2016/17. Fundamental to access to Manchester and Manchester Airport; Critical to relieving communities along its route of traffic congestion, noise and pollution; Fundamental to freight traffic; and A key route for commuting to and from Manchester to Cheshire and access to job opportunities across their boundaries. A55 / A483 Junction Improvement Part of a wider Route Management Strategy between Birkenhead and the Welsh Border; Will reduce congestion and improve journey time reliability; and Will enhance access to Chester Business Park. A5117 M56-A55 Deeside Park Junctions Improvement A key link between West Cheshire, the North West and North Wales; Critical to improved access to jobs and movements between Merseyside and North Wales (including Airbus and the Deeside Industrial Park); and Major reduction in casualties. 5.8 The Highways Agency M6 corridor proposals In early 2006 the Highways Agency hosted a number of seminars to outline work on a detailed study commissioned to review the options for increasing capacity along the M6 corridor between Junctions 11A and 19. Two options are being reviewed: Widening the existing motorway; and Constructing a new dual two lane carriageway broadly adjacent to the existing route with limited junction access. At this stage, the Highways Agency is expected to provide feedback to the DfT in Spring 2006 to allow the Minister to further review the options. Once a decision has been made, the Highways Agency would develop a more detailed set of proposals for further consideration. Subject to there being no undue delay in progressing the statutory procedures, the earliest that either option would be fully open to traffic would be around 2016/17. The outcome of the study gives rise to many issues for Cheshire communities. These include: Assessing the traffic impacts - As well as addressing the M6 corridor itself, the assessment of the proposals needs to cover the traffic impacts on the wider motorway and trunk road network and the adjoining county road networks, in particular for the road user charging analysis, and on air quality and noise. A county wide Transport Model is being developed in conjunction with Peter Davidson Consultancy. This is nearing completion. The Council will discuss with the Highways Agency and their consultants the potential of completing and using this model as part of the assessment process. Assessing the environmental impacts - The potential environmental impacts of the proposals on those Cheshire communities most directly affected in terms of land take, visual impacts, and noise and air quality needs to be carefully appraised. This also includes the potential for traffic re-assigning to other county roads as a result of the proposals, especially where the roads serve rural communities. Promoting measures to mitigate against the traffic impacts and improve access to the M6 corridor - Through the Structure Plan, LTP and the recent GONW RFA prioritisation process for major transport projects, the County Council has drawn attention to the need to address traffic issues relating to the existing M6 corridor through a number of initiatives. These are very relevant to this study and will be brought to the attention of the Highways Agency for inclusion in the assessment process. These initiatives include: A54 highway improvements from Winsford, bypassing Middlewich to M6 J18 addressing the issues of congestion, community severance and the use by Heavy Commercial Vehicles of roads in built up areas; A34 via the A534 highway improvements to M6 J17 bypassing Congleton addressing the issues of congestion and traffic related air quality; A500 Barthomley Link highway improvements from Crewe to M6 J16 addressing congestion, accidents, the use by M6 bound traffic of the adjoining rural road networks and improving access from the Basfords Regional Employment Site; and Continued funding support for the full package of improvements arising from the MIDMAN study. This includes the Crewe Rail Gateway project and other rail and bus based public transport initiatives that improve access to the major destinations that exist along the M6 corridor and beyond. Other Issues Consideration should be given to the management of incidents on the motorway, in particular the expressway option. Currently, whenever an incident occurs on the existing M6 in Cheshire it has a serious detrimental impact the County road network, affecting residents and businesses. This needs to be addressed in the study for all options; The study needs to recognise the impacts on wider strategic highway signing that could be required for the County road network; The County Council is a significant land owner along the route of the M6 corridor through its County Farms. Negotiations will be needed to take place with our property services officers as the proposals are progressed; and In addition, the study should consider how the proposals would be integrated with the emerging plans of the Highways Agency for the A556 between M6 J19 and the M56 and also its impacts on the M6 between J19 and J20. The proposals to increase capacity along the M6 corridor in Cheshire could result in the biggest single transport investment in the County since the original M6 was constructed. Ensuring its impacts are thoroughly assessed is vital to protect the interests of Cheshire s communities, all of which will be affected by the proposals in some way but particularly for those who live in close proximity to the existing motorway. To ensure this occurs, the Council will continue to be actively engaged in the on-going study being undertaken by the Highways Agency, as well involving District, town and parish councils. 5.9 Links to the M6 In part, depending on decisions on the M6, and particularly its junctions in Cheshire, the County Council has medium term plans (2011-2016) to improve access from Winsford, Middlewich, Crewe, Congleton and East Cheshire to the M6. These schemes: Link / improve access from key employment areas - the Basford strategic site and wider Crewe developments, Middlewich and the further development of mid-point 18, Winsford and the Winsford Industrial estate and from Holmes Chapel; Relieve local communities of through traffic; Reduce road casualties; and Improve the local environment and air quality. 5.10 Support for neighbouring authorities schemes As part of the County Council s consultation activities a number of meetings were set up with neighbouring authorities and regional partners to consider and seek mutual endorsement for various cross-boundary LTP proposals. These include: 5.10.1 The Mersey Gateway The Council supports the work being led by Halton Borough Council to deliver the Mersey Gateway. The existing Silver Jubilee Bridge can carry in excess of 93,000 vehicles in a single weekday. With a single carriageway accommodating four substandard lanes the bridge is significantly over capacity and serious delays are commonplace with congestion spreading over the peak hours. The Silver Jubilee Bridge is of strategic importance to Cheshire and the region as a whole. This is demonstrated by the fact that 27% of traffic using the bridge has one trip end in Cheshire. It provides a vital link between Cheshire and North Wales to the Merseyside area. 162 163

The impact of short term, temporary closures caused by traffic accidents can often extend far beyond the local areas of Runcorn and Widnes. Such closures can cause gridlock in Warrington and congestion on routes to the Mersey Tunnels and the M6 Thelwall Viaduct. The Mersey Crossing Group, of which Cheshire County Council is a member, has carried out extensive development work for the delivery of the New Mersey Crossing, "The Mersey Gateway". The feasibility of several route options has been investigated and in April 2003 the Group selected a route known as 3A as its preferred option. This route acts to optimise traffic relief of the Silver Jubilee Bridge with minimum environmental impact. In July 2003 the Mersey Crossing Group submitted a major scheme appraisal bid to the Government for a New Mersey Crossing. In December 2003 the Government gave the bid the status of "Super Work in Progress", as further work was required. The revised Major Scheme Appraisal was submitted to the Government in November 2004 and a response from the Government is expected shortly. 5.10.2 Halton Curve The County Council supports Halton Borough Council s and Merseytravel s proposals to reinstate the Halton Curve for passenger services. The Halton Curve connects the Chester-Warrington Line with the Liverpool Branch of the West Coast Main Line. It is used by a weekly service in the summer months and only has signals and points installed for movements in the northbound direction. An upgrade of signals and points would be needed to allow two way working. The full opening of this line to two way working would allow the provision of a new train service linking North Wales-Chester- Frodsham-Runcorn-Allerton-Liverpool Lime Street. It might also promote some interchange at Runcorn between West Coast Main Line trains and a local service to Frodsham-Helsby-Ellesmere Port. The new service would also be of wider benefit to North Wales, Cheshire and Merseyside and in particular would be an important new rail link to Liverpool John Lennon Airport that would be accessed by Allerton Station. 5.10.3 Wrexham Bidston Railway Line The County Council endorses Merseytravel s proposals to develop and extend the Merseyrail network including extending the third rail electrification of the Wrexham to Bidston line. This will have clear advantages to support our work to tackle congestion and deliver accessibility. 5.10.4 The Manchester Rail Hub and Metrolink Cheshire strongly endorses the importance of Metrolink and the Manchester Rail Hub to the wider Greater Manchester Strategy's theme of improving connectivity. These are vital to the reduction of congestion and to the provision of a high quality public transport network in the southern part of the conurbation adjacent to Cheshire where there are opportunities accessible to Cheshire's residents. They are also important to the achievement of the wider City Region sub-regional strategy. It, therefore, supports the Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Strategy's intention to complete Metrolink Phase 3, the enhancements to Phases 1 and 2, and the extension to Stockport. Similarly, improvements to the Rail Hub, including additional platform capacity at Manchester Airport, will have benefits to services from Cheshire. The importance of cross-boundary access to the Airport is noted elsewhere in the document. 5.10.5 Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Corridors These have a significant potential for improving cross-boundary travel opportunities. A number of the corridors extend outwards to the Cheshire boundary, and both authorities are interested in considering how innovative transport solutions can be developed feeding into these corridors. The full reopening of the Halton Curve would also be of benefit to rail freight operations. 164